Muji’s Minimalism Movement

A minimalist lifestyle has become more popular over the past few decades as it captures the “less is more” aesthetic that serves as a new alternative to our rather materialistic society. Though the term minimalism was originally popularized in the 50s and 60s to describe simplistic trends in art and design, the concept has now evolved to define a style of living. In today’s marketplace full of brands screaming for attention, Muji’s relentless focus on their products, without all the unnecessary ornamentation, represents the antithesis of consumerism. This focus on functionality has allowed the Japanese company to earn a reputation for quality, innovation, and thoughtful design. Their generic-looking products convey a sense of practicality that appeals to all consumers in need of quality stationery tools — hereby allowing the company to successfully transcend beyond national markets to operate worldwide with 970 global stores (Diep). Muji’s global success can largely be attributed to its minimalistic aesthetic and “no-brand” branding that appeals to a unique group of customers who are tired of consumerism and prefer a refreshing alternative to traditional branded goods. It is no surprise that the company’s emphasis on product quality and practicality without any unnecessary embellishments has ushered in a new wave of minimalism. Simply stated, the concept of minimalism has evolved into a much-needed movement away from consumerism and towards simplicity. As our society continues to be increasingly materialistic, will this shift back to simplicity finally enable us to focus on the quality of our work instead of preoccupying ourselves with appearance and ornamentation? Is minimalism the key to cultivating our true self by living without unnecessary distractions?

Diep, C. “Muji: Store Numbers Global 2020.” Statista, 24 July 2020, www.statista.com/statistics/870860/muji-store-number-global/.