Muji is a Japanese retail company (with now three stores in NYC) that sells a wide variety of household and consumer goods. They are distinguished by minimalist design, emphasis on recycling, avoidance of waste in production and packaging, and no-logo or “no-brand” policy.
Muji is quoted as saying, “Unless we adopt values informed by moderation and self-restraint, the world will find itself at an impasse. All people living today deep down are probably already beginning to consider greater self-restraint as a way of life.”
I’m not sure all people are beginning to consider self-restraint as a way of life, but it certainly seems to be a growing trend and many are beginning to experience the wonderful benefits of minimalism… the popularity of this website being one small piece of anecdotal evidence.
So glad Muji is getting traction in the States…its products are amazing. Another great place for reviews on specific products is http://majorlyminimal.blogspot.com, the author is really knowledgeable and reliable, she knows her stuff.
Stuff, whether made with a special design, is still stuff. There needs to be more literature about doing without.
Do you know more brands like this?
I remember buying a pen in Muji here in the UK (i think it was in Reading) about ten years ago. It was basically a paintbrush in a pen casing and I STILL have it.
I’m glad they’re still going and keeping to these values.
~Rose