Dior’s New Concept Store in Tokyo’s Trendy Daikanyama Area Incorporates Japanese Beauty, Craftsmanship

By Ayaka Kaji / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer

16:30 JST, April 26, 2026

“Dior Bamboo Pavilion,” a concept store of the French brand Dior, opened in Tokyo’s Daikanyama district in February. This spectacular building, with a total floor area of about 1,800 square meters, fuses the brand’s elegant aesthetic with Japanese beauty and craftsmanship, stirring up a buzz as a cultural destination much more than as a boutique.

The first thing that catches visitors’ eyes is the gleaming golden exterior. Inspired by the bamboo forests of Kyoto, it is made from bamboo-shaped recycled aluminum. The design is a reinterpretation of the exterior of the brand’s flagship store in Paris.

Around the new store is a Zen-themed garden designed by Seijun Nishihata, a renowned “plant hunter” who collects rare plants. The garden features diverse trees, including pine, plum and camellia.

Upon entering the store, visitors are greeted by large Japanese lanterns crafted by artisans in Kyoto. The ceiling is lined with washi paper, creating a space reminiscent of floats in Aomori’s Nebuta festival float.

The store’s furniture, furnishings and interior design incorporate elements of Japanese culture, as the store has collaborated with over 10 Japanese individual and group artists, including floral artist Azuma Makoto and paper-cutting artist Ayumi Shibata.

The brand’s founder, Christian Dior, was captivated by traditional Japanese culture, including ukiyo-e prints and silk textiles. Subsequent designers for the brand have also presented many works inspired by Japan. The store itself conveys the brand’s connection with Japan.

The store includes a cafe, where visitors can experience the French concept of “art de vivre” (the art of living well). The cafe’s menu includes a Western-style confectionery adorned with the brand’s iconic Cannage lattice pattern.

Visitors can take a moment to admire items from the latest collection and art objects, as well as shopping and strolling through the garden.

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CEO: New realm of dreams in all its forms

To mark the opening of the new store, Delphine Arnault, Chairman and CEO of Christian Dior Couture, responded to questions from The Yomiuri Shimbun in writing. The following is excerpted from her responses.

The Yomiuri Shimbun: Please explain the rationale behind establishing such a concept shop in Tokyo that extensively incorporates elements of Japanese culture.

Delphine Arnault: This unique place is much more than a boutique; it is a new realm of dreams offering experiences at the crossroads of lifestyle, excellence in craftsmanship and art in all its forms. Each space here is unique, beautifully combining the most precious and rare traditions with the inventiveness and creative audacity that have always been dear to the house.

Yomiuri: As the prices of bags and clothing have increased, what are your thoughts on encouraging familiarity with Dior and making the brand more accessible?

Arnault: The arrival of Jonathan Anderson (who was appointed as creative director last year) has brought a breath of fresh air, a renaissance to our collections and our entire universe, a joyfully playful poetry that fits well with the world of small leather goods and [small] accessories that are more accessible to younger generations. Our aim is to welcome customers of all generations. The idea is that everyone can embrace a part of the Dior dream.

Yomiuri: What position does the Japanese market hold for Dior?

Arnault: Our house has forged essential cultural and creative ties with Japan and our Japanese customers ever since the house was founded in 1946. In 1953, [Christian Dior] became the first Western couturier to offer his collections in the archipelago. From then on, Dior enjoyed the unwavering support of major Japanese clients, loyal friends of the house, who became its fervent ambassadors.

These exciting dialogues are constantly being reinvented through our defiles (the most recent taking place in Kyoto in 2025), exhibitions — Designer of Dreams in Tokyo — and our participation in last year’s World Expo in Osaka as well as other collaborations and large-scale events.