Ryohin Keikaku Co., which operates MUJI, will open its first wooden building stores, “MUJI Karatsu” and “MUJI Hita,” in September in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture, and Hita City, Oita Prefecture. These stores are the first large-scale wooden buildings in Japan to receive “ZEB (Net Zero Energy Building)” certification, aiming to achieve environmental consideration and sustainability.
What Kind of Environment Does Ryohin Keikaku Aim to Create for Residents to Feel “I Want to Continue Living Here”?
Ryohin Keikaku has signed cooperation agreements with both Karatsu and Hita cities regarding regional disaster prevention, and the new stores will contribute to enhancing regional disaster preparedness. The stores are also intended to serve as spaces for intergenerational interaction in these areas, where multi-generational living is common, with plans for long-term operation. The aim is to provide an environment that makes local residents feel “I want to continue living here” and to support the development of communities where future generations can take pride in living.
The “MUJI Karatsu” and “MUJI Hita” stores, being the first wooden buildings for MUJI, are designed by MUJI HOUSE, a group company. They have adopted the “SE construction method,” a seismic-resistant wooden frame structure, and achieved ZEB certification by combining energy-saving and energy-creating technologies. This includes reducing the total amount of energy consumed by the building and achieving zero primary energy consumption by utilizing solar power and storage batteries.
In the wooden buildings, high-performance insulation materials are used for roofs and exterior walls, and high-efficiency air conditioning systems controlled by motion and CO2 sensors are installed to reduce environmental impact. Compared to traditional steel-framed stores, the use of wooden construction is also noted for significantly reducing CO2 emissions.
The new stores will also offer disaster prevention equipment. During emergencies, facilities such as “kamado benches,” which are normally used as seating, “manhole toilets” connected to sewer systems, and a charging station for electronic devices using solar panels will be utilized. The goal is for the stores to function as places where local residents can find reassurance during disasters.Notably, the “kamado bench” at “MUJI Hita” was co-created with local elementary school students, symbolizing a connection with the community.
Ryohin Keikaku is also advancing its “ReMUJI” project, which promotes reuse and recycling in stores to achieve a resource-circulating society. Both stores in Karatsu and Hita will have limited-time sales of “ReMUJI” products made from recycled clothing and will also collect used books. The collected books are planned to be donated to local children’s support facilities.
Additionally, the stores will feature interiors and rest areas using Kyushu-produced wood, serving as spaces for community interaction. Benches made from stumps and logs from Karatsu and Hita cities will be installed, emphasizing local materials and regional identity.
MUJI’s wooden building stores represent a new initiative aimed at balancing environmental considerations with regional coexistence. The opening of these new stores in Karatsu and Hita is expected to be a step towards achieving a sustainable society and to serve as venues for community gathering and support.
Press release available here