Big in Japan

IKEA stores can be found around the world and though our roots are proudly Swedish, we’re inspired by life at home in all our local markets. Let’s head to Japan to meet some of our friendly co-workers, see what's trending and discover the top products and fun food themes that make IKEA Japan so unique. Irasshaimase – welcome!

  • 125.8 million people live in Japan.

  • 14 million residents makes Tokyo the most populated prefecture in Japan.

Illustration of Japan

  • 26 million visitors to IKEA stores in Japan in 2021 (FY). The busiest store was IKEA Kohoku.

  • 13 IKEA stores throughout Japan, including three city shops in Tokyo.

  • 44,000 m² IKEA Tokyo-Bay is the largest store. The Harajuku city store measures around 2,500 m².

A graphic image of a bowl of noodles and chopsticks.

Food facts Let's eat

Although Japanese shoppers love a trip to IKEA to savour our Swedish classics, on the menu you’ll also find Japan-inspired meals and classic favourites with a local twist. Here’s a taste of what you might find in our restaurant and bistro, along with the top takeaway items from the Swedish Food Market.

A plate of meatballs with mashed potato, lingonberry jam and peas.
A plate of roast beef, mashed potato, gravy and a tomato.
A plate of vegetable plant-based curry
A bar of milk chocolate
A hotdog against a pink background.

A dish for every occasion

You’ll often find themed dishes in IKEA restaurants, but the holiday inspired menus in our Tokyo stores in Harajuku, Shibuya and Shinjuku are hard to beat. Halloween, the Matcha Fair and pink sakura season are just some of Japan's favourite food celebrations. Throughout the year they inspire some of the most interesting creations, appealing to the eyes and taste buds, not to mention the wallets of the many people, in a metropolis that boasts more restaurants than any other city in the world.

  • A table spread with festive, halloween-inspired food from IKEA Japan.

    Halloween pancakes are a family favourite. Served with berry compote and a biscuit finger, the dish is available at IKEA restaurants throughout Japan during the spooky season.

  • A spread of green matcha desserts from IKEA Japan against a dark backdrop.

    The annual Matcha Fair pays tribute to the nation's favourite green tea. The powdered leaves are used not only for drinking, but as flavouring too for everything from chocolate to cakes.

  • Spicy food on a table from the Japanese Spicy Food Fair

    Yep, there's even a celebration for spicy food. From July to September IKEA restaurants in Tokyo serve up unique dishes and classics with a kick at the Spicy Food Fair.

  • A spread of cheesy dishes from IKEA Japan on a yellow and pink background.

    Past food celebrations at IKEA Japan included the Cheese Fair, with cheesy hot dogs, nachos and pancakes.

  • Overhead view of a pink surface decked with an assortment of strawberry desserts.

    Just when you thought that food couldn't get any cuter, behold the annual Strawberry Fair. Who could resist treats this sweet?

A graphic image of a clock and a lamp

Top products What's in the bag?

From trolleys to T-shirts, IKEA Japan has plenty of unique products, along with popular ranges that can be found in all our stores. See what's at the top of the shopping list among our Japanese customers.

A favourite among Japanese homemakers, RÅSHULT is a smaller version of our RÅSKOG trolley. Originally developed specifically for Japan, it’s perfect for small-space living.

Two RÅSKOG trolleys in sage green against a light background
Two ISTAD freezer bags filled with snacks.

6,000,000

A set of BUMERANG clothes hangers.

1,500,000

An EFTERTRÄD t-shirt with bar code

650,000

A large blue FRAKTA bag

Fortune favours the functional

Above are just a few of the bestselling items from IKEA Japan. Each year our Japanese customers buy a whopping 6 million ISTAD freezer bags, followed by 1.5 million sets of BUMERANG clothes hangers. Even apparel makes the top spot with IKEA fans snapping up T-shirts from the EFTERTRÄDA collection. And finally, 2 million of our beloved FRAKTA bags make their way into Japanese homes annually.

A graphic image of two apartment blocks.

Life at home More than a roof and four walls

While home may mean the same to us wherever we are in the world, how we live differs by country. In Japan, homes are often smaller, which means that most socialising takes place in bars and restaurants. If you are lucky enough to get an invitation to someone's home, here are some of the smart space saving solutions you may find, as well as a few tips on etiquette that may just come in handy.

Two single beds are put together and covered with two duvets and lots of pillows.
Living room area with a sofa, upholstered bench, table and storage unit.
Open plan living room and kitchen area with sink, sofa and units.

Did you know?

Japanese Oshiire open showing storage boxes, wire drawers and table and chairs in front.
A graphic image of a speech bubble saying "Hej!"

Our co-workers Ask the team

Our customers and colleagues are at the heart of everything we do. We asked some of the friendly co-workers at IKEA Japan to share their local knowledge and IKEA love.

Aki a Japanese co-worker, smiles at the camera.

Aki Team Leader, Customer support center

Co-worker Kimiyo sits in front of a black tiled wall

Kimiyo People & Culture Specialist, Service office

Co-worker Ryusuke looks at the camera. He is holding a device.

Ryusuke Sales co-worker, Textiles department

  • What's on your IKEA wishlist right now?

  • I would like the SÖDERHAMN Sofa module. I have a toy poodle and I want to relax on a sofa that is low enough for him to sit on too.

    Aki

  • A STRANDMON armchair. Just looking at it makes me feel good. If I had space I’d put it by my window and spend afternoons reading in the sunshine.

    Kimiyo

  • The FRIHETEN sofa bed. Since the pandemic I haven’t been out much, so I’d like to spend quality time at home with this sofa bed.

    Ryusuke

  • What should visitors to Japan do?

  • You should definitely see Mt. Fuji. You may have seen it on postcards, but the real thing is so beautiful and impressive.

    Aki

  • I am proud of our seasons and food culture. You can enjoy a variety of ingredients for each season. Whether it's sushi at the counter or kaiseki at a Japanese restaurant, I recommend trying real Japanese food! It's healthy too!

    Kimiyo

  • Experience nature during each of our four seasons, not to mention our culture and history.

    Ryusuke

  • What do you like most about working for IKEA?

  • We all share the same IKEA values, and I enjoy being myself. I also like that everyone is willing to help each other.

    Aki

  • I like the fact that people are the heart of our business in everything we do. IKEA is always grateful to co-workers and customers. I think it’s a really nice company.

    Kimiyo

  • I love the sense of accomplishment when we achieve our daily budget goals. It’s very motivating.

    Ryusuke

A graphic image of a mobile phone with a heart.

Campaigns #Trending

With more than 80% of the population active on social media in Japan, our online presence is growing. Let's see what's going viral on IKEA Japan's channels.

A night in Shibuya

Have you ever wondered what goes on in your local IKEA store when the lights go out? In this fun video promoting our free Fotobox at IKEA Shibuya, a group of loveable rogues from the toy department are captured on film enjoying a midnight photo session. Some of the snaps were also shared on IKEA Japan’s Instagram feed.

IKEA Festival from Tokyo

This year the IKEA Festival took place online and in stores around the world. Our Harajuku store hosted live fashion, food and home decorating events, while online the festival featured simple, budget-friendly home makeovers. Take a look and be inspired.

  • Kitchen:
    Haruhi and her sister's worktop gets a transformation.

  • Collection:
    Haruka's desk gets a good tidying.

  • Closet:
    Nano's oshiire has a place for everything.

Equality begins at home

IKEA supports equality and believes that everyone should live as they want in their own home. The Equality at Home campaign highlights the work imbalance between couples in homes around the world. IKEA Japan shared these statistics for life at home from the 2020 Globescan survey.

  • How satisfied are you with equality in your home/at work/in society?

  • At home

    An icon of a man and woman under a light in a home.

    26% Japan

    77% Global

  • At work

    An icon of a businessman and businesswoman shaking hands.

    12% Japan

    61% Global

  • In society

    An icon of people around a heart.

    17% Japan

    39% Global

  • Do you support each other and collaborate in your family to achieve common goals?

  • Yes, we do

    An icon of a family sitting in a pair of hands.

    45% Japan

    78% Global

  • Do you think that chores should be shared equally between you and your partner?

  • An icon of a man

    Men

    An icon of a woman

    Women

  • Do you think that there is still much to do to close the gender gap in Japanese society?

  • Yes, there is

    An icon of a man and woman in a car, on a road.

    25% Male

    40% Women

  • Who does the majority of the household chores in Japan?

  • An icon of a house with a broom, washing and cooking.

    12% Men

    47% Women

Looking for something closer to home?

Discover what's wonderful about your local IKEA.