D&DEPARTMENT TOKYO

A Base Introducing Japanese Items That Fit into Daily Life and Last for Years

Founded in 2000, D&DEPARTMENT TOKYO is the first store opened as the central base of the D&DEPARTMENT PROJECT (hereafter D&D), established by designer Kenmei Nagaoka. D&D is a project that discovers Long Life Design—items that embody the character of their region and have continued to be used for many years throughout Japan—and introduces the appeal of those regions through a range of activities including retail, food, publishing, and tourism.
 
Here, the term Long Life Design does not simply refer to the appearance of a design. Rather, it expresses the idea that things that continue to be produced and used for a long time are themselves excellent design. Based on this philosophy, D&DEPARTMENT TOKYO offers items discovered by Nagaoka and the buyers at recycle shops across Japan, along with professional equipment once used in schools and medical facilities and familiar tools that have long been produced in different regions of Japan.

Why the Founder Started with Recycle Shops

 The D&DEPARTMENT PROJECT began around 1998. Its founder, Kenmei Nagaoka, believed that in an age overflowing with products, rather than creating new designs, it would be more meaningful to collect and introduce good designs that already existed in the world. The project therefore began as a shop selling reused items and gradually expanded its range of products and activities to become what it is today.
 
When the project first began, society was in the midst of an era of mass production and mass consumption. Seeing recycle shops overflowing with items, Nagaoka began to question what the role of a designer should be. This led him to the idea: “Let’s discover the good designs that already exist, recognize their value, and introduce them.” For this reason, the standard used when selecting items at D&D is whether they represent Long Life Design—items that can continue to be used for many years through repair and maintenance.

Professional equipment that may seem unrelated to everyday life is also introduced with the idea that depending on how it is used, it can blend into daily life and enrich it. At D&D, such items are referred to as “things like ~.” Professional equipment often has no specific designer or craftsman attached to it, yet it is still considered Long Life Design. One reason is that the design does not change according to trends. In addition, because these items are produced for institutional use in places such as hospitals and facilities, they rarely go out of production or undergo model changes, making maintenance—such as replacing parts—relatively easy.

Items to Look for at the Flagship Store “TOKYO”

D&DEPARTMENT currently operates a total of 14 stores in Japan and overseas, including directly managed stores in Tokyo, Toyama, and Kyoto. In addition, D&DEPARTMENT has established partnerships with stores that support its activities, and has one location in each of the 47 prefectures in Japan. The item mix differs from store to store, with regional stores selling traditional items made by local craftsmen and many long-life designs that are closely connected to the local community. TOKYO also has original items inspired by used items. Among the many items, we have picked up items that are unique to TOKYO and classic items.

Plastic Mug from the “Long Life Plastic Project 2025”

 This mug was created through a project by D&DEPARTMENT that explores the concept of “Long Life Design for plastic.” Against the backdrop of growing environmental concerns in recent years, the project proposes the idea that plastic, too, can be a material that lasts a lifetime when cared for and appreciated as it ages. The following message is embossed on the surface of the cup: “Plastic Products can be lifelong companions if you care for them.” (Even plastic products can become lifelong items if you take good care of them.)

“HARIO Lampwork Factory” Earrings (Special Order Model)

These earrings are by HARIO Lampwork Factory, an accessory brand created by the long-established glass manufacturer HARIO, founded in Kanda, Tokyo in 1921. The brand was established in 2015 with the aim of preserving the techniques of glass artisans, whose numbers have been decreasing in recent years. This pair, produced especially for D&DEPARTMENT, is a special version of a classic model normally made with frosted glass that has a texture resembling coarse sugar crystals, here crafted instead in clear glass.
 

Professional Laundry Net

This laundry net was originally developed by a manufacturer specializing in hotel supplies, and has been adapted for easier use at home. Because it uses thicker polyester thread than ordinary laundry nets, the fabric is thicker and known for its high durability.

Medical Glass Multi-Purpose Jar

This glass jar is used in medical settings as a container for gauze and other supplies. It is a versatile item that can also be used as a container for small objects, seasonings, or even as a pen holder. The lid can be opened easily with one finger, making it less likely to touch the contents while opening or closing, which helps maintain hygiene.

 “syuro” Round Tin

This tin container is made by syuro, a manufacturer located in a small factory in Edogawa, Tokyo, which has produced tea canisters for many years. In Japan, tea canisters wrapped in washi paper are commonly seen. However, this product intentionally presents the material in its natural state, allowing the craftsmanship of the artisans to be appreciated. Each can is made by artisans who process a single sheet of metal by hand. Its perfectly airtight structure is achieved through delicate craftsmanship. As it continues to be used, the tin gradually develops rust and the surface changes to a matte texture, allowing users to enjoy its aging over time.

Sunbox

The Sunbox is a professional plastic container used for transporting goods. It can be used individually or stacked. In the project Sampling Furniture, which is based on the concept of “creating without producing,” the unchanged design of the Sunbox is utilized in new ways—such as combining it with frames to create planter stands—proposing various ideas for incorporating it into everyday living.

d RUG LIFESTOCK

This rug is made from high-quality wool fabric. It was produced through LIFESTOCK, a project that discovers deadstock fabrics stored in textile manufacturers’ warehouses and reuses them as “living stock.” The rug uses fabric samples that had been stored in the warehouse of a manufacturer in Bishu, a major wool textile production region spanning Aichi and Gifu Prefectures.

Karimoku60 “K Chair”

Karimoku Furniture was founded in Aichi Prefecture in 1940. The K Chair was created in 1962, when the company began producing domestically made furniture. Originally sold as furniture for businesses such as inns and hospitals, it later became available to the general public after the company participated in the “60vision” project in 2002, which revived and rebranded products representing the company’s origins.

“Nychair X” by FUJIEI Corporation

This folding chair was completed in 1970 after pursuing both comfort and ease of use. Its designer, Takeshi Nii, originally manufactured kendo equipment. However, after a manufacturing ban imposed by the GHQ, he shifted his focus to furniture design. The skills developed through making kendo equipment are reflected in this chair, which features hammock-like seating that gently envelops the body. Because the seat fabric can be replaced, the chair can be used for many years. Today it is manufactured and sold by FUJIEI Corporation.

“LAUAN SHELVES” by LUFT

This box-shaped storage unit was designed by the design studio LUFT. Originally used as office fixtures in LUFT’s own office, they caught the attention of Nagaoka and were later commercialized. The shelves are made from lauan wood, a material with natural variations in color and grain, which is why it is rarely used by large furniture manufacturers. At D&DEPARTMENT, however, these variations are appreciated as part of the material’s character. Because the fasteners are hidden from view, the boxes can be freely combined and used either as shelving units or room dividers.

Tiger Emb Luggage Tag

An original luggage tag created in collaboration with Tiger Emb, an embroidery patch manufacturer in Okinawa. Each store has its own original color, and the TOKYO store offers three colors. It is also popular as a souvenir.

A Buy-Back System to Circulate Good Design

D&DEPARTMENT also purchases items that it has previously sold (excluding consumables). Purchased items are repaired or customized and then placed back in the shop as used items. Items eligible for buyback are mainly used furniture and household goods (details available upon inquiry). In some cases, even items not originally purchased at D&DEPARTMENT may be accepted if they are judged to represent Long Life Design. Long Life Design does not end with a sale. Circulating these items and preserving them over time is also an important part of D&DEPARTMENT’s activities.