Today we interviewed the staff at MUJI Tokyo Ariake, one of the largest shops in the Kanto Region, which recently opened in December 2020 in Ariake, a development district in the waterfront area.

It is located in Ariake Garden & Spa, a large commercial facility only 4 minutes from Yurikamome Line's Ariake Station and 3 minutes from Ariake Tennis Park Station.

The Tokyo Ariake store is conscious of its connection with the community. They offer home services unique to the Tokyo Ariake branch, such as online interior consultation and cleaning services.

The shop spans the 1st to 3rd floors. The sales floors and aisles are extra spacious for comfortable shopping, even if you have a large cart, luggage, or stroller. The open space, similar to large overseas stores, is unique to the Tokyo Ariake branch, and it boasts the most extensive sales floor area in the Kanto Region.

This shop uses the latest equipment for speed and convenience, such as automated cash registers (in Japanese, English, and Chinese) and lockers for receiving products.

The kitchen goods section is on the 2nd floor. Products are displayed on flatbeds and arranged in an easy-to-choose layout. Some products are also displayed high atop the pillars of the sales floor, creating a fun and interesting layout even if you're just browsing.

In the wake of the coronavirus, the sales of kitchen goods have been stronger than ever. With fewer people dining out, more people are starting to cook at home.

As a result, the fan base of popular cookware series, including silicone cookware, stainless steel goods, and storage containers, has also increased.

1. New in 2021! Superior, Easy-to-Use, Non-slip Silicon Grater - 990 yen

This Silicone Grater was released earlier this year as part of a popular silicone cookware series. The silicone handle fits comfortably in your hand, making it very easy to grip.

"The shape of the blades and holes of this grater were devised by considering the application of force used to grate various ingredients."

Looking closely, the size and orientation of each blade do seem random rather than consistent. This is what gives the grated ingredients a softer finish, and may even make them taste better when cooked!

The structure of this grater curves slightly when placed flat. This is exactly what makes it so easy to use! Because it is non-slip, it is easier to apply the force necessary to grate larger or harder ingredients. The smooth backside will not get caught on your sponge, making it easy to wash, too.

Grating ingredients is common in many Japanese cooking methods, so there are a variety of types of graters. But this one is so easy to use, it is recommended as a souvenir for foreign visitors, too!

2. New in 2021! Stylish and Easy-to-Use Ceramic Coated Frying Pan (3 sizes) - 1,990-2,490 yen

These easy-to-use frying pans have a ceramic surface and stylish wooden handles. They come in three sizes to suit your cooking needs.

This photo shows the 26 cm and 22 cm frying pans. The smaller size can be used for simple dishes such as fried eggs and single-serving stir-fries. The larger pan is best for cooking for two people or more, and can fit several pieces of meat and fish at once.

Here you can see the height difference between the deep and the normal pan. The deep frying pan can also be used for stews and soups. The convenient depth also prevents ingredients from scattering about, even when stir-frying.

"One of the features of this frying pan is the handle. It is designed longer to maintain distance from the fire, so there's no need to worry about burning the wooden part. The handle also has a little dent that makes it easier to hold and use."

The stylish design of the wooden part of the handle also matches many interiors.

Another feature is the ceramic processing on the surface, making the pan highly durable and less likely to deteriorate. In addition, it is reasonably priced, has a solid weight, and is built to last a long time. A frying pan of impressive quality, it boasts a long lifespan and is also recommended as a stylish addition to your interior decor.

3. Last Year's Popular Silicone Spoon, Downsized! Small Silicone Cooking Spoon - 490 yen

This cooking spoon is super popular amongst MUJI's silicone cooking series and has many fans. Smaller than the standard sizes so far, this size was newly released in December of last year.

"This one is popular for its soft, silicone outside, which won't damage your pot or frying pan. Since the inside also contains nylon, the core is solid, of medium weight, and easy to hold, which makes it easy to use. It is a product that has been well received. The exquisite bend of the tip won't damage the coating on pans, and neatly scoops up ingredients."

Here you can see the size difference. The length of the handle is still long, while only the scoop is thinner and smaller. It is easy to use when serving and fits comfortably into narrow-mouthed containers such as bottles.

This versatile spoon can be used for stir-frying, scooping, and serving. It is reasonably priced, so you may want to buy several of them to use for various dishes.

4. Environmentally-Friendly Paper Product for Efficient Kitchen Waste Disposal: Paper Drain Bag (20 sheets) - 299 yen

This Paper Drain Bag is made from water-resistant paper that won't tear when wet. MUJI is a company that has focused on environmental conservation since the very beginning, with simple packaging and material selection.

Recently, their products have gained popularity in Japan and overseas as well, and they refrain from using plastic bags as much as possible.

"The bag stands on its own when you open it, so you can put it in the sink and use as-is without having to prepare a separate area for kitchen waste. Also, with its simple design, it keeps the kitchen area looking neat."

Because you can separate and dispose of kitchen waste individually every time you use it, it's great for maintaining hygiene, too.

The specifications allow moisture to escape naturally from the open holes, so you can even use it for damp kitchen waste. It's great in terms of both design and functionality.

The packaging material itself that contains the product is also a drain bag, so if you count the 20 sheets + the outer bag, you actually get 21 sheets. It's a feature of MUJI products that allows you to use the packaging material itself, preventing excess waste.

You can even carry one with you to use outside in various settings, such as to carry hot foods or when buying take-out. The possibilities are endless!

5. Easy and Convenient Storage! Rice Storage Container for Refrigerator (about 2 kg) - 990 yen

You want to store your rice somewhere, but don't want to buy a rice bin... There's not enough space in the fridge, but it's also a pain keeping it in the bag...

If this sounds like you, this Rice Storage Container is just what you need! It's slim enough to fit in a refrigerator pocket, despite its 2kg weight! Its design also allows you to place it vertically or horizontally, whichever direction you choose.

And don't worry about misplacing your rice measuring cup - this container has one right on the lid! Quickly and easily measure your rice at any time, without having to hunt for your measuring cup.

Instead of a handle, it has a dent on the side of the main body that makes it easy to grip firmly. It's a super convenient storage container, perfect in design and functionality.

"The upper part where you put the rice in slopes towards the opening, making it less likely to spill and easier to pour in."

Its casual ingenuity makes it easy to use and stress-free, which is just what you need from an item you'll probably use every day!

The transparent body lets you easily see how much is left inside! As people have been cooking more and stocking up on food, this makes managing your inventory more convenient. Although it is made for rice, you can store foods such as cereals and pasta as well.

6. Superior Sharpness and Easy-to-Wash! Disassemble-and-Wash Kitchen Scissors - 1,990 yen

If you're looking for an item that will help you expand your range of cooking, this is it: kitchen scissors that you can disassemble and wash!

These kitchen scissors are as good and convenient as a kitchen knife. Not only can you cut small ingredients but meat, fish, and root vegetables, as well.

"One of the scissor blades is thin for cutting fine ingredients such as crab legs or fish. Also, because the blade is fine and wavy, it won't slip easily when cutting harder ingredients."

The handle material won't hurt your hands if you grip it firmly, and it won't slip if your hands are wet. It's easy to use, and even cuts hard ingredients.

Recently, outdoor activities such as camping have grown in popularity. With these, you can easily cut ingredients without a cutting board, so they're great for cooking outside.

If you enjoy camping, you'll love using this item. With this product, you can expand your range of menu possibilities!

One thing to be careful about with kitchen scissors is the hygiene aspect, as food can get stuck between the blades. Also, rust can form after a while of using and washing, especially if it isn't dried properly. But with these scissors, you can easily disassemble them to wash and dry every inch completely.

Today we introduced some carefully selected, new, and popular products from a variety of kitchen goods, each with improved functionality and design.

Upgrade your kitchen wares, and have more fun cooking and improving your eating habits! These stylish, convenient tools will help you achieve a healthier and more enjoyable lifestyle.

Supported Languages
Japanese, English, and Chinese-speaking staff available

Covid-19 Countermeasures
Indoor disinfection measures taken - Sanitizer installed - Ventilation measures in place - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Entry declined to anyone who is feeling unwell - Guests requested to wear masks and undergo temperature checks

Other notes
Increase in the number of self-service cash registers - Use of cash registers for bakeries that use image recognition for automatic payment - Use of product pickup lockers to reduce direct contact and make shopping more convenient - Installation of a new type of contactless play area for children

* Information as of April 23, 2021.
* Product lineup may vary by store.
* Prices and contents subject to change.
* All products include tax.
* We thoroughly managed hygiene during shooting.