The Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store held the grand opening of its first phase of redevelopment on October 24th. A preview and opening ceremony were held on the 23rd, the day before the grand opening, unveiling the new Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, including the "Shining White Forest" designed by Kengo Kuma on the first floor of the main building and the three-meter-long "Mukaehana" flower installation by floral artist Daniël Ost.

This redevelopment aims to "excite the world with hospitality techniques. A new Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store." While retaining the central hall and the celestial maiden statue as unchanging symbols, the "Shining White Forest" has been designed as a symbol of a new 21st-century environment. Furthermore, under the theme of "meeting the needs of each and every customer," digital support is provided for the four pillars of hospitality: people, environment, service, and products. The store will offer 111 services, including a reorganized staff and stylists, 30 guides, and 90 concierges to provide personal hospitality, as well as welcoming flowers at the lion entrance on the first floor, greetings from kimono-clad proprietresses, and personal color analysis and gift suggestions at the personal shopping desks on the third and fifth floors.

At the opening ceremony held at the reception on the first floor of the main building, Mitsukoshi Isetan Holdings President Toshihiko Sugie said, "The first major renovation in 30 years has created the perfect environment. When we remodeled the store two years ago, we not only spruced up the storefront, but also comprehensively considered the power of human hospitality, the power of IT, the power of the environment, and service facilities, and we set the task of creating a new department store. This store was born from that. There are still some areas that need to be improved, but we would like to grow together with our customers by listening to their honest opinions." During a talk session with Kengo Kuma and Daniel Ost, Kuma explained the design, "When I was a child, I would come here (Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store) and it would sparkle, as if I had entered a dream world. This time, I thought about how to bring back that unforgettable sparkle, and decided on a forest. By arranging specially processed aluminum like tiny petals on white pillars, I imagined myself blending into the forest and bathed in sunlight filtering through the trees. It was difficult to create without damaging the pillars, which are important cultural properties and must not be touched, but I was able to create the optimal shape through simulations and am thrilled that we were able to create something exactly as I imagined. Furthermore, Ost, who is a living being, chose flowers that do not require blueprints, and created them with almost no sleep, as if possessed by a god. I would like you to see his incredible energy." Ost also said, "The welcoming flowers at the entrance are based on the concept of the phoenix, a symbol of rebirth, rising from the ashes, as a motif that harmonizes with the forest. The celestial maiden statue was also one of the inspirations. The flower next to the goddess statue is a special flower brought from Europe." Kuma also emphasized, "At a time when the world's attention is focused on Japan, I hope this will become a passionate place that receives that passionate gaze on Japan and a place that spreads information to the world." Ost also commented, "I think this will be a wonderful legacy that will be passed on to the next generation." After the talk session, Ost presented Kuma with a book.