Our Philosophy
D&DEPARTMENT, founded by designer Kenmei Nagaoka in 2000, is a store-style activity based on the theme of "long-life design". The company is active in reviewing local "individuality" and "long-lasting local design" through product sales, food and beverage, publication, and tourism, and introducing them to the rest of the country.
D&DEPARTMENT dedicates its work to "Long-life Design".
"Long-life design" doesn't simply refer to designs or artisan work. We believe that how the products are made, how they are sold, and the environment that spawned their design all contribute to a long production run and a long-time favorite among consumers.
The 10 criteria of Long-Life Design
1. Repair: A system and method for repairing goods for continued use must be available.
2. Cost: The costs of goods must be set at a level that will allow the manufacturer to continue production.
3. Sales: The seller must have a strong will to convey its beliefs to consumers.
4. Manufacturing: The manufacturer must be passionate about the process of “making.”
5. Function: The product must be functional and easy to use.
6. Safety: The product must be safe to use.
7. Planned Production: The product must be produced in planned and foreseeable volumes.
8. User: The product must lead its users’ attentions to broader issues.
9. Environment: The product must be made with consideration of the environment in any age.
10. Design: The product must be beautiful.
Create "Design Road Stations" in each of the 47 prefectures.
D&DEPARTMENT has formed partnerships with people who agree with our activities, and we are expanding our base of operations to a location in each of Japan's 47 prefectures. We work with people who live and work in the area to think about and discover "long-life design" in the area, and share information and methods through our nationwide network. *The stores in Tokyo, Toyama, Aichi and Kyoto are operated as company-owned stores. Other stores are franchised with local partners.
[ HOKKAIDO ] by 3KG
Opened as the first store of our partner. 3KG is a design company that transmits creations from Sapporo to the world.
[ MIE ] by AQUAIGNIS ART MANAGEMENT
It was opened in VISON as a regional development project that brings together Japan's pride in food, culture, art and technology.
[ KAGOSHIMA ] by MARUYA Inc.
Maruya Inc. has been operating it as a key tenant since the Maruya Gardens opened in Tenmonkan.
[ OKINAWA ] by MIX Inc.
It is operated by Mix Inc. in cooperation with Plaza House, Japan's first shopping center.
[ KOREA, Seoul ] by MILLIMETER MILLGRAM
MMG is a design company that runs an original stationery store, and operate our franchise store in the Itaewon area of Seoul.
[ KOREA, Jeju ] by ARARIO JEJU
ARARIO JEJU is a lifestyle and cultural creation company that operates department stores and museums.
[China, Huangshan]
by Bishan Crafts Cooperatives
Bishan Crafts Cooperatives researched Chinese rural culture and published the magazine "Bishan". It challenges sustainable business in rural China.
Discover and transmit "Long Life Design in Japan and the world"
and "Long Life Design in the region".
The items will consist of standard "long-life design products from Japan and the world" that all stores will carry in common, and "local long-life design products" that each region will discover on its own. While providing the regions with inspiration and information from a national perspective, D&DEPARTMENT will create new exchanges by using its nationwide network to transmit the products discovered in the regions.
Communicate local attractions through food
D&DEPARTMENT has a café area. Based on the concept of local production for local consumption, the café conveys the local culture and climate through food, and functions as a place for casual stopping and meeting, as well as a place for receptions, parties, and exchanges.
d SHOKUDO / It is a cafe-restaurant with Japanese cuisine that reflects the local food culture and the seasons.
D&DEPARTMENT DINING / It is a cafe-restaurant with a menu of classic Western dishes, as well as a wide variety of desserts and craft beers.
Company Name: D&DEPARTMENT INC.
Company Address: 8-3-2, Okusawa, Setagaya-ku Tokyo Japan
Founder: Kenmei Nagaoka
Contact information: d-department@lingble.com