SHIRO's Renovated Store in Hankyu Umeda: A New Begining with Nature

SHIRO's Revitalized Hankyu Umeda Store

On April 16, 2025, SHIRO will unveil its newly relocated and renovated store at Hankyu Umeda in Osaka. This reimagined space not only represents a new aesthetic but also emphasizes the importance of sustainability and a deep connection with nature. SHIRO, well-known for its commitment to ethical sourcing, minimizes the use of virgin materials and instead focuses on valuing existing resources.

In the process of creating products, the SHIRO team doesn’t choose materials based on a pre-set design — instead, they first engage with the natural world. By directly observing and understanding the characteristics of plants and other materials, SHIRO ensures that every product is a celebration of nature’s gifts, highlighting their unique qualities. This philosophy extends to their store design as well, where functionality and sustainability drive every decision.

The renovated Hankyu Umeda store will predominantly feature wood sourced from thinned-out forests in Hyogo Prefecture, showcasing a deliberate choice to honor these resources. Each type of wood will be carefully selected based on its natural colors, grains, and textures, ensuring that every piece contributes to a cohesive yet varied aesthetic. The design process will incorporate these natural features without any unnecessary alterations, allowing the beauty of the wood to shine through.

A New Chapter in Store Design

The previous iteration of the Hankyu Umeda store utilized geometric patterns in SHIRO's signature navy tile, creating a rhythmic and enjoyable shopping environment with minimal materials. However, the new store will feature an inviting and warm design that showcases abundant use of natural wood, aiming to captivate visitors from the moment they walk in.

SHIRO has partnered with SHARE WOODS, a local supplier based in Kobe, to obtain sustainably sourced timber, emphasizing their dedication to using locally available materials to build an identity that reflects the region's uniqueness. The varied timber types, including konara, kunugi, and abemaki, each exhibit distinct qualities that contribute to the overall harmony of the store's ambiance.

Instead of opting for uniformity by consolidating wood types, SHIRO embraces diversity, using the wood's natural form to create unique display fixtures that fit together like a puzzle. Even the chainsaw marks on the wood are celebrated as part of the design. This raw and authentic approach to construction resonates deeply with the brand’s principles of respect for nature.

To complement the primary use of timber, the store will incorporate veneer, crafted from the outer layers of kunugi, produced by Ando Veneer Co., situated in Yao City. This meticulous process enhances the store's sophisticated yet warm atmosphere while ensuring that every piece tells its own story. Furthermore, even the bark from the leftover materials is being put to use, further exemplifying SHIRO's mission to utilize every available resource fully.

A Symbol of Heritage

A significant feature of the renovated store will be the brand sign, which has been part of the previous Hankyu Umeda location. Before the store's closure, the original sign will be polished to enhance its detailed design and will find a new home in the freshly redesigned space. This gesture not only honors the memories of previous visitors but signals a new beginning for SHIRO at Hankyu Umeda.

Partnering with DRAWERS and designer Hiroyuki Ogura for this project, SHIRO aims for beauty, functionality, and a strong sense of environmental responsibility in all its designs. Ogura has also designed other SHIRO locations and accommodations, further establishing a brand committed to sustainable practices.

As SHIRO approaches the 15th anniversary in 2024, its philosophy continues to evolve, focusing on value and sustainability in every aspect of creating products and stores. With initiatives aimed at minimizing waste and enhancing reusability, SHIRO remains at the forefront of ecological consciousness in the beauty industry.

For more information on the opening and to explore their full range of products, visit the SHIRO official website or their social media channels.