European Design and Japanese Aesthetic

Actus Aoyama

Earlier this summer, Japanese interior design retailer Actus opened a new store in Aoyama, stocked full of goods for the home, from European-sourced luxury furniture to eclectic and iconic Japanese lifestyle accessories.

The original boutique, opened in 1981, was one of the first to sell haute foreign wares, but twenty years on the retailer continues to carve a unique path with its spacious new setup, featuring the first Actus Kids collection and introducing a list of European brands, like lepa vida and poliform, that are making their Japanese debut on these shelves.

The high-ceilinged, warehouse-chic space is beautifully and meticulously merchandised, and divided into expansive sections each with a distinct atmosphere and feel, the better to imagine the display pieces in your own home.

Think Conran, Restoration Hardware, Crate & Barrel, Habitat and ABC Carpet all rolled up into one slickly curated interiors grandslam, with homeware from design houses like Germany’s poggenpohl, Denmark’s eilersen and Italy’s porada featuring alongside BLIK wall decals, leather slippers handmade in Jaipur, and of course, an extensive candle selection (yes, some hostess gifts are the same the world over). And you can shop the expertly-edited Actus store even if you’re not based in Tokyo – there’s an online portal too.