Exploring the World of Isamu Noguchi’s Akari Lighting at Tokyo’s Retail Stores
Isamu Noguchi was a renowned Japanese-American sculptor, designer, and landscape architect. His artistic legacy includes the creation of iconic Akari lighting fixtures, inspired by traditional Japanese paper lanterns. To experience the beauty and functionality of Noguchi’s Akari lamps, Tokyo offers an array of retail stores that cater to different styles and budgets. This article will take you on a journey to discover some of the best Akari lighting stores in Tokyo, showcasing the unique features and benefits that each store has to offer.
Main Body
1. Yanagiya
Founded in 1925, Yanagiya is one of the oldest Akari lighting stores in Tokyo. It is located in Asakusa, a historical district famous for its temples and traditional crafts. Yanagiya offers a wide range of Akari models, from the classic table and floor lamps to the contemporary wall and ceiling fixtures. The store’s interior exudes a nostalgic ambiance, with wooden shelves and old-fashioned signage. Yanagiya’s staff are knowledgeable and friendly, and can assist customers with their lighting needs.
2. MoMA Design Store
The MoMA Design Store in Omotesando is the flagship store of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. It features an impressive collection of Akari lighting, among other contemporary products from around the world. The store’s philosophy is to provide customers with products that embody MoMA’s values of innovation, functionality, and aesthetics. The Akari lamps at MoMA Design Store come in various sizes, shapes, and colors. Some of the highlights include the Akari 26A, Akari 70EN, and Akari 1AY.
3. Noguchi Museum Shop
The Noguchi Museum Shop is located in the heart of Roppongi, a vibrant district famous for its art galleries and nightlife. The shop is part of the Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum, which houses a comprehensive collection of Noguchi’s works. The Akari lamps at the museum shop are curated by Noguchi’s estate, ensuring their authenticity and quality. The store also offers a range of Noguchi-designed furniture, sculpture, and garden elements. The Akari lamps at the museum shop are perfect for those who appreciate the legacy of Isamu Noguchi and want to own a piece of it.
4. MUJI Yurakucho
MUJI is a Japanese retail company that offers a wide range of minimalist products, including clothing, furniture, and stationary. The MUJI Yurakucho store is located in a modern shopping complex, offering a spacious and serene shopping environment. The store’s Akari lamps are designed under the collaboration between Isamu Noguchi and MUJI. The lamps feature simpler shapes and lighter materials than the traditional Akari lamps, making them more affordable and accessible to a wider audience. The MUJI Akari lamps come in various sizes and are perfect for those who seek a minimalist and functional design.
Isamu Noguchi’s Akari lighting fixtures have a timeless charm that appeals to people worldwide. Tokyo’s retail stores offer a unique opportunity to explore the world of Akari lamps and find the perfect one for your space. Whether you prefer the traditional or contemporary styles, Yanagiya, MoMA Design Store, Noguchi Museum Shop, and MUJI Yurakucho have something to suit your taste and budget. So next time you visit Tokyo, don’t miss the chance to experience the magic and beauty of Isamu Noguchi’s Akari lighting.
