At Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, which opens on March 29th, one of the most noteworthy attractions will be the complex store "HIBIYA CENTRAL MARKET" opening on the third floor. Giving form to an unprecedented idea, a "market" has been created, with a variety of stores housed within the new commercial facility.

"The basis of my store-making is the creation of a "town." When you open a store, lots of people gather there and it gradually becomes a town. This time, the space was a vast one, about 800m2, so the vague concept of a marketplace or marketplace came to mind," explains Takayuki Minami, the creative director who handled the direction. This small-town-like complex was born from an encounter between Minami and the long-established bookstore, Yurindo.

Minami Takayuki
The symbol of the market is the "Library," which displays miscellaneous goods, clothing, and vintage furniture collected by Minami from around the world. The tall bookshelves were inspired by overseas libraries, such as the British Library, which Minami is a fan of. The products and books in the store are linked, allowing you to compare them and enjoy both. All items are available for purchase, and the store changes with each sale.

Library
Scattered throughout the premises are memories of the markets, street corners, and alleys that Minami encountered all over the world. Surrounding the Library are the eyeglasses store CONVEX, featuring a selection of deadstock vintage frames; Graphpaper, the second store after the Jingu store, with a unique presentation that feels like both a gallery and a select shop; Hibiya Barber Shop, boasting Japan's highest level of hygiene management; Ikkaku, an izakaya and set meal restaurant open day and night by Tomohiro Maruyama, founder of Maison Cinquantecinq and AELU; Yurindo / AND COFFEE ROASTERS / FreshService, selling books, magazines, coffee, and general merchandise; and Tent Gallery, an event space. Walking around the area, you'll feel like you're visiting a marketplace in a strange land. Hibiya Barber Shop inherited the fixtures and equipment from a former barber shop, beautifully recreating the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese barber shop from the Showa era. The waiting room's bookshelves are lined with Golgo 31, creating a unique atmosphere. In one corner, a counter with a menu on strips of paper hangs, and a movable raised platform where customers can take off their shoes and relax. The food is served in original tableware by Sueki Ceramics of Tokushima, which can also be purchased at the library.

Barber Hibiya


One corner
There's also a bar stocking craft gins from all over Japan.
"Since the upper floors are occupied by office workers, I hope they'll come in for a lunchtime set meal in one corner, and then use FreshService, which sells magazines, coffee, stationery, and more, just like a train station kiosk. For busy people who can't take their time, the GinBAR in the corner also sells bento boxes. I hope they'll come downstairs after work and enjoy a lively conversation over fried chicken and highballs," says Minami. While he hadn't been familiar with Hibiya before, he now knows the area has a great atmosphere and a rich cultural scene, and he hopes Hibiya Central Market will become a casual gathering place for business workers, tourists, and everyone in between.

Yurindo / AND COFFEE ROASTERS / FreshService
Those who have visited Asian markets may recall the vibrant and diverse atmosphere, while others may feel nostalgic for the scenery, which seems like it could be somewhere in Japan. In this place that seems to be in no particular country or era, you will experience a new side of Hibiya.