On July 1st, ifs Future Research Institute, operated by Itochu Fashion System, opened the Miraiken Salon, a limited-time information exchange salon on the second floor of CI Plaza (2-3-1 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo) in Kita-Aoyama, Tokyo. The salon provides a forum for new product and design presentations, as well as for networking. The interior design was handled by the design firm KEIKO+MANABU. The salon also opened a WORK WORK SHOP, where companies can present their new initiatives. The salon is open to the public outside of events.

The Miraiken Salon aims to "create an interesting space" and "forge new relationships." In addition to showcasing experimental new products and the work of young creators, the salon also offers a forum for interaction between business leaders and creators, and between companies across fields. Approximately once a month, the salon will host a talk show called "Kawashima Yoko's Chat," featuring speakers including business leaders, researchers, journalists, architects, and designers. There will also be a corner where seven members of the ifs Future Research Institute, including journalist and consultant Nobuyuki Hayashi, architect Tsuyoshi Tane, Tamae Hirokawa and Takeshi Fukui of Soma Design, and product designer Toshihiko Sakai, will present and exhibit the results of their independent research. Presentations will change monthly. To coincide with Tokyo Designers Week 2014, which runs from October 25th to November 3rd, Hirokawa will give a presentation on "Future Tea Culture," based on his research into the future of Japanese tea, and exhibit works in collaboration with Tane. Meanwhile, the "WORK WORK SHOP" will allow companies to try new ventures, with five participating companies: KOKUYO Furniture, KOKUYO S&T, POLA, LUMINE, and ROCK FIELD. Under the theme of "Lumine's Future Sales Floor," Lumine will showcase works by the live painting unit "81 BASTARDS" and showcase its eco-activities, art projects, support for creators, and community support, all under one theme. POLA will host a skin check booth for its custom-made cosmetics line, "POLA APE," which analyzes every layer of skin to predict future skincare and makeup recommendations. Future plans include makeup, skincare, and handcare experiences. Outside of events, the space is open to the public and can be used for meetings, relaxation, and other purposes, free of charge for approximately two hours. Free coffee is also available upon exchange of business cards. Yoko Kawashima, director of the ifs Future Research Institute, said, "We wanted to create a place where people from across industries could come together, a testing ground where companies could unveil products for the future before they hit the shelves or the market."

In addition, from July 1st to 4th, as part of the opening experience events, free Pola samples will be distributed (limited to 200 people) and free Rock Field lunches will be distributed (limited to 100 women).

Opening hours are from 11:00 to 19:00. Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. *Due to the implementation of events, the museum may be open on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, and opening hours may be extended.