On August 21st, Kyoto BAL will hold its grand opening in Kawaramachi, Kyoto. Having been a leader in fashion and trends for 45 years since 1970, the store has undergone a major renovation, expanding to approximately 850 tsubo (approx. 2,750 m2) by adding an adjacent 1650 tsubo (approx. 1650 m2) to its existing 1250 tsubo (approx. 1650 m2) space. The new Kyoto BAL will offer a high-quality shopping experience, immersing customers in the unique worldviews of each brand. A space typically reserved for over 100 stores will house 33 carefully selected stores. The result is a building designed to allow each brand to fully express its unique concept and unique worldview. Ron Herman will open its largest store in Japan on the top floor, the sixth floor, which also houses RH CAFE, the brand's own café. Natural light pours in through the skylights, allowing customers to relax and enjoy the views of Kyoto's cityscape. The fifth floor is the MUJI floor. In addition to the usual items, there's ReMUJI, a one-of-a-kind collection of re-dyed recycled MUJI products; Found MUJI, showcasing everyday items rooted in various regions; and a fragrance workshop where you can create your own fragrance blend on the spot. The fourth floor is home to THE CONRAN SHOP and TODAY'S SPECIAL, both making their Kyoto debuts. At the opening, THE CONRAN SHOP will be promoting blue, a color that was special to the brand's founder, and will offer a refreshing blue interior. TODAY'S SPECIAL, which has a flagship store in Jiyugaoka, will also be opening its first store in the Kansai region. There's also a corner showcasing delicious and cute Kyoto foods. Gardening goods and plants line the escalators, sure to tickle your DIY fancy. The third floor will be home to fashion brands such as ESTNATION, Theory, ASPESI, and Felisi. ESTNATION will also have a permanent counter-style Nicolai Bergmann shop-in-shop. The second floor will feature TOMORROWLAND, MARGARET HOWELL SHOP&COFFE with its counter cafe, and nail care salon TAACOBA. The first floor will be lined with shops sure to satisfy your taste buds, including DAVID OTTO JUICE, a cold-pressed juice shop opening for the first time in Japan, and Hawaiian Islands Coffee, also a first in Japan. The store also boasts a unique lineup of stores, including CABaN HAYAMA, which is opening its first store in the Kansai region, PEACHES & CREAM, and RACHEL ASHWELL SHABBY CHIC Couture.

The basement and second floors are home to Maruzen Kyoto Main Store, which has returned to Kawaramachi for the first time in 10 years. Items that evoke the history of the area include a yellow stationery set, inspired by Kajii Motojiro's novel "Lemon," which was once set at Maruzen.

On the fourth floor of the building, there is "Kyoto BAL," where a spacious, open feel can be felt everywhere, including a powder room measuring approximately 66 sq. m. Additionally, at Peaches and Cream, which will be permanently set up inside the main entrance, we were told that "three years ago, President Maezawa himself visited the store in one of the apartment buildings and approached us, saying, 'When the building is remodeled in 2015, I would like you to open a store here.'"

A space will be created where you can experience the message of Isamu Nakazawa, CEO of Nakazawa Co., Ltd., which operates Kyoto BAL, who wants to be a commercial building in Kawaramachi, Kyoto that continues to be half a step ahead of the times and proposes a high-quality lifestyle.