atmos BLUE Omotesando Store by SAKUMAESHIMA: A Raw-Futuristic Retail Experience in the Heart of Harajuku

Located just off the vibrant intersection of Meiji-dori and Omotesando in Tokyo’s iconic Harajuku district, the atmos BLUE Omotesando Store redefines the high-street retail experience through a unique blend of raw industrial aesthetics and futuristic minimalism. Designed by SAKUMAESHIMA, this 100-square-meter concept store reflects the boundary-pushing ethos of the atmos brand, renowned for its influence on sneaker culture and streetwear fashion in Japan and beyond.

Street-Inspired Architecture Meets Sculptural Interior Design

Despite being nestled in one of Tokyo’s most crowded neighborhoods, the store is intentionally detached from its urban surroundings. From the moment visitors enter, they are immersed in an environment designed to feel slightly offbeat—subtly rebellious, just like the brand it represents.

The space is divided into two visually distinct zones. The front zone, visible from the street, is dedicated to sneakers—the core identity of the atmos brand. Here, temporary single-pipe scaffolding and light iron fixtures dominate the interior landscape, giving the space a rough, semi-abandoned appearance. This raw street-like aesthetic is enhanced by line lighting integrated with grid line materials in the double-height atrium, reinforcing the connection to Tokyo’s dynamic urban culture.

A Spatial Journey: From Urban Grit to Futuristic Calm

The architecture gradually transitions as visitors move deeper into the store. The irregular, diagonally extending rear area contrasts dramatically with the front. Designed with a more refined and futuristic atmosphere, this space features glass tile flooring, slender apparel racks, ceiling-integrated lighting, and mirrored walls. These elements create a clean white zone that feels more like a conceptual gallery than a retail outlet.

This intentional spatial shift separates the store interior from the external noise of Omotesando, drawing customers inward through a calculated flow of movement and light. The cash register and apparel sections are both visually and functionally optimized, fostering an immersive and contemplative shopping experience that allows the products to stand out.

Material Palette and Design Collaborations

The interiors incorporate materials and finishes from leading manufacturers such as Kvadrat, LIXIL, DINAONE, and LLINE, enhancing the tactile and visual quality of the space. These elements not only support the architectural concept but also elevate the brand’s cultural identity.

 A New Retail Typology for Streetwear Culture

The atmos BLUE Omotesando Store stands as a striking example of how retail architecture can communicate brand identity while offering an engaging customer journey. Through the juxtaposition of industrial rawness and sleek futurism, SAKUMAESHIMA has created a retail space that mirrors the evolution of streetwear—where heritage and innovation collide.

Project Details:

• Project Name: atmos BLUE Omotesando Store
• Location: Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
• Architects: SAKUMAESHIMA
• Area: 100 m²
• Year: 2023
• Photography: Masaaki Inoue / BOUILLON
• Material Brands: Kvadrat, DINAONE, LIXIL, LLINE