Today we interviewed the staff at MUJI Tokyo Ariake, one of the largest shops in the Kanto Region, recently opened in December 2020 in Ariake, a development district in the Gulf Area. It is located in Ariake Garden & Spa, a large shopping only 4 minutes from Yurikamome Line's Ariake Station and 3 minutes from Ariake Tennis Park Station.

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

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

The MUJI Tokyo Ariake branch has started a number of services and initiatives for community and urban development. One such initiative is the Food Drive in which they collect food for welfare organizations and facilities in need* in collaboration with Koto Ward, where the store is located. This is their first such attempt in Tokyo, the private sector, and in stores.

They are also actively engaged in environmentally conscious activities such as collecting used clothes, books, CDs, and DVDs.

Each sales floor from the 1st to the 3rd are wide and spacious, and neatly arranged by product category in an easy-to-see layout.

They also incorporate various systems and services to prevent the spread of covid, such as dedicated lockers for receiving products ordered online (Ariake store only), and contactless cash registers (in Japanese, English, Chinese).

You'll find household goods on the 3rd floor, as well as daily necessities, clothing, cosmetics, and bathroom products.

MUJI offers a large selection of new daily essentials for the "new normal" left in the wake of coronavirus, including masks, disinfectant gels, and comfortable house clothes such as the ONE-ALL series' one-size-fits-all custom-cut women's clothing, a relaxed fit tailored to fit any size.

1) Gentle on the Skin for Frequent Use! Hand Disinfectant Gels (490-590 yen)

These Hand Disinfectant Gels moisturize your hands while keeping them clean. Hand sanitizer has become one of the most important must-have items in every home since the beginning of covid.

After the price revision in April 2021, prices have dropped from 790 to 590 yen for the pump type, and from 690 to 490 yen for the cap type (all prices include tax).

There are three types. The pump type (590 yen) is convenient for keeping at home. The cap type (490 yen) comes in the same amount as the pump type, and is slightly cheaper. The portable type (490 yen) is 50ml and convenient to carry around.

"MUJI takes into consideration frequency of use, and uses a disinfecting solution that combines minimal alcohol with moisturizing ingredients often found in cosmetics. So kill two birds with one stone by moisturizing your hands while also disinfecting them!"

Many people experience rough hands when they start using new disinfectant solutions more frequently. MUJI's low-alcohol gel is gentle on the skin, smoothing your hands after drying. Skin irritation is a concern when you use something like this many times a day, which is why they use only the best ingredients.

The simplistic package design is popular and unique to MUJI. Products don't clash with your interior, so you can store them anywhere in your home and have them readily available for immediate use.

2) Combining Performance and Style: Reusable 2-Pack, 3-Layer Mask (790 yen)

Just like rubbing alcohol, masks have become another necessity. Masking up when going out has become just as normal as wearing shoes. The Reusable 2-Pack, 3-Layer Mask is one MUJI's latest releases.

The price of this product was revised in March 2021, dropping from 999 to 790 yen.

"Although cloth masks are generally reusable, some people don't like the 3-D mask shape, and the colors and patterns are too bland. This MUJI mask looks just like a disposable, non-woven mask. It's very simple, and can be used in any setting."

Certainly, cloth masks may not always match your outfit. But these are perfect for business and formal wear alike!

It has an adjustable nose wire, for a comfortable fit, even for foreign visitors. Its larger size comfortably shields the entire face for men and women. The material is 100% natural cotton, and the antibacterial outer material prevents droplet spread. Since you can wash and reuse one mask up to 30 times, it is economical and also reduces waste.

Comfortable on the skin and with good breathability, you can even use it during the summer. It can be difficult to find a cloth mask with equally good material and breathability, so you may want to keep one of these on hand for emergencies.

3) Handkerchief with Antibacterial Treatment (390 yen)

Hand-washing and gargling may be basic anti-virus measures, but what you use after washing is also important. For this, we recommend the Antibacterial Processed Handkerchief!

Hand dryers have been removed from many public restrooms at restaurants and shopping centers. Because of this, more people are carrying around their own handkerchiefs. So isn't it even better to choose a handkerchief that is both clean and antibacterial? It will certainly come in handy during the hot summer months, as well.

"They are made from the same 100% cotton fabric as the shirts, and are antibacterially treated. The cotton is organic cotton."

There are two classic types of durable, smooth broadcloth shirts (sax blue, dark navy check), and three types of ox fabric (navy stripe), which is a little thicker and less likely to wrinkle.

With handkerchiefs for casual use, you should opt for products that take hygiene into consideration. They are not only functional but reasonably priced, and make great gifts, too.

4) Light and Resistant Aluminum Hangers (490-2,990 yen)

This popular aluminum hanger series is amongst MUJI's necessities for daily living. The frame is made of light aluminum and the clips are made of polycarbonate for long-lasting durability.

"They come in different sizes, and you can also buy individual parts, so you can replace broken clips or connectors and continue to use them for a long time." As mentioned, they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including square, straight, and wall-hanging types. Conveniently choose based on the size you need, the space you have, and what you want to dry.

This half-circle wall hanger is good for cramped spaces. A square-shaped hanger will slant if placed against the wall, making it difficult to use. This shape eliminates that inconvenience. Nowadays, with many people washing and drying their masks indoors, this is the perfect item to have!

This design and structure, which makes good use of tight spaces, is unique to Japan's narrow housing situation. It's one of Japan's innovative products rarely seen overseas.

5) Surprisingly Lightweight! Use It Two Ways: Foldable Water-Repellent Shopping Cart (1,990 yen)

With more people cooking for themselves at home, many are going to supermarkets less frequently and buying items in bulk. On top of that, many places now charge customers for shopping bags, though eco-bags are always available. In this case, you may prefer to bring your own Foldable Water-Repellent Shopping Cart!

The best thing about this bag is that it is very lightweight and compact. It only weighs 510g, about the same as a plastic water bottle. In the photo above, the left shows it folded up, and the right shows the entire bag unfolded.

"You can raise and fold the wheels with a push of the shaft. The fabric is water repellent, so you can even use it in the rain."

The bag also has a long handle, so you can fold away the wheels and use it as a shoulder bag. If you tend to buy bigger, heavier, or more items than planned, this is the perfect shopping bag for you! You'll want to have this useful item on hand for any shopping situation.

The products introduced today are all useful for the new requirements of our new normal lives. Yet despite all the restrictions, there are still small changes you can make to continue living comfortably in the present. Enrich and add some excitement to your life with these new and improved goods!

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 prices include tax.
* Proper prevention measures were taken during the interview.