Japan is to be home to the seventh NikeLab flagship, a premium sub-branch of the sports-shoe brand launched in 2014.
The other flagship locations are in New York, London, Paris, Milan, Shanghai and Hong Kong.
Opening this week, Tokyo’s NikeLab MA5 offers a retail experience with a thematic focus on uniting nature and technology, as well as exploring sustainable materials. The store aims to engage the senses with directional sound systems both inside and outside, plus an exclusive scent and soft track-flooring material made using Nike Grind, a palette of recycled and regenerated materials.
Also, Nike designers have been working with long-term engineering partner Arthur Huang, the founder of design firm Miniwiz, to incorporate Japanese culture and traditions into the store. Tatami-mat floors pair with walls of locally sourced wood in the digitally powered fitting rooms. The same timber is used on modular display cubes alongside Nike Grind display benches.
