IKEA Japan, the Swedish home furnishing company, has announced that it will open a store in the Harajuku Station Project. The Harajuku Station Project is a complex that NTT Urban Development has been developing since March 2017 on the site in front of Harajuku Station, overlooking Meiji Jingu Shrine. Amid rapid changes in the way people live and shop, IKEA decided to open its first urban store to allow more people to enjoy the IKEA shopping experience. The store is scheduled to open in spring 2020. In announcing the announcement, Helen von Reis, President and CEO of IKEA Japan, said, "We are thrilled that our store in central Tokyo will enable even more Japanese consumers to experience IKEA. We look forward to providing products and solutions that address everyday concerns and needs in an inspiring environment. Of course, we also plan to serve your favorite meals."