Ah the simplicity and depth of Eastern wisdom. Muji is a Japanese brand that sells a variety of household goods; everything from pens, notebooks and pencils to travel accessories to home furnishings. The only remarkable feature about any of Muji‘s products is their sheer and utter simplicity. No frills, no waste. Plainness and modesty are the design ideals of each product. With each item Muji asks “what would be best from the individual’s point of view.
It’s products are so non-descript that not even so much as a logo adorns any item you pick up at a Muji store. In a world where everything is stylized and customizied to be purposeful, or even just profitable, the simplicity of Muji’s products is a welcome breath of fresh air. It has become almost impossible to buy just a plain notebook, or plain black pen. Travelling? Muji has compact mirrors, travel cases and accessories that are compact and functional. What you buy at Muji doesn’t have to say something about you because of the way it is designed. It just works the way it is supposed to. Notebooks have plain covers, alarm clocks, containers, folders, mirrors, and so on are all made in neutral colors, if they are produced in more than one color at all.
I have spent hours of my life in store aisles hung up on the design of everyday products. Which color notebook should I get? I like how that pen writes but the outside looks stupid. This ____ is a nice size and it has a zipper, but it looks too masculine. Blah blah blah. A Muji store on my corner would end all of those indecisive hours wasted in linoleum aisles under fluorescent light. I especially like their notebooks with the clear plastic cover; I can draw whatever I want on the first page and make my own sweet cover at my leisure, as the inspiration comes.
LINK: www.muji.us
Most of Muji’s stores are in major Asian and European cities. However you can shop online, and if you live in NYC you can shop at Muji’s only North American outposts. I don’t and I’m bitter about it so that information is irrelevant. If that information would be relevant to you, out of spite I say: figure it out for yourself.
