Muji is famous around the world for its minimalist homewares and furniture, but this shop located under the company headquarters in Ikebukuro is dedicated to food. It’s equipped with the world’s very first Muji Kitchen, offering ready-to-eat bento boxes and side dishes, all made with plenty of veggies to support a healthy lifestyle. It even has a special curry bar with 50 flavours of Muji’s ready-made curry in pouches which you can ask the staff to heat up on the spot, as well as seasonal produce, dairy products, tofu, desserts and more.
The fridge is stocked with a wide selection of frozen foods like onigiri rice balls, tamagoyaki (Japanese egg omelette) and french toast which are all ready-to-eat after a few minutes in the microwave. There are also simple meal kits with pre-cut vegetables that you can easily prepare in a frying pan.
There’s a big map of Ikebukuro showing shops and events happening in the neighbourhood, with a kiosk selling products from local stores that change on a monthly basis. You can also purchase a coffee voucher and clip it onto the bulletin board with a message, so the next person who orders a coffee will get a free cup of joe.
Muji also promotes sustainability, with a water station where you can refill your water bottle for free, and a food drive that’s run in partnership with local non-profit organisations.