Working for Muji is like "spinning circus plates" according to Kenya Hara, who discusses the hugely popular Japanese retailer's aesthetic and approach to products in this exclusive interview.
Muji is known worldwide for its pared-back designs and simple branding, across homeware, furniture, fashion, office supplies and more.
Japanese designer Hara, who has worked as the company's art director for more than 15 years, told Dezeen that balancing such a broad product line is what makes the company so successful and unique.
Kenya Hara spoke to Dezeen during the 10th anniversary celebrations of Muji's first stores in the US
"Muji itself is a special existence, and it is like spinning circus plates ? you have to keep moving the sticks in order for the plates to spin," he said. "I'm not interested in the popularity of the products in that sense," Hara continued. "What's unique about Muji is people don't go there with a specific item in their mind. I don't think that there are many other brands like that."
Established in 1979, Muji is commonly referred to as a "brandless" company, as its products bear no logos. Their simple aesthetic, which has become synonymous with contemporary Japanese design, allows them to fit into a variety of homes and lifestyles ? gaining the brand international popularity of the past few years.
But Hara was keen to point out that Muji is much more a trend, and insisted that the company's main aim is to conti...