Marimekko’s new Unikko tableware collection, inspired by Japanese food culture, was unveiled at Matsuya Ginza, featuring everyday pieces such as bowls and chopstick rests. Visiting Japan, Design Director Minna Kemell-Kutvonen discussed the background to the collection’s development and the Asian market.
Marimekko, which is launching new tableware designed to complement Japanese food culture, held the pop-up “Marimekko Wa Living in Ginza” at Matsuya Ginza and unveiled new pieces featuring the Unikko pattern. The display included everyday items such as bowls, small plates, chopstick rests and small serving dishes.
The collection is available in two colorways: Sand × Cotton × Nordic Forest Green, designed to blend into Japanese-style spaces, and Red × Orange × Black, a red-based combination emblematic of the brand. The lineup also includes bowls suited to Japanese rice bowls, elongated fish plates inspired by grilled fish, and textile items such as aprons, oven mitts and placemats.
The pop-up runs from 29 July to 4 August, with Design Director Minna Kemell-Kutvonen visiting Japan for the event. She discussed the process and thinking behind completing the products and touched on how the Asian market has responded to them.
Minna explained that she repeatedly produced prototypes with the Japanese and Asian markets in mind. She described the designs as architectural table settings and said that, when giving Unikko a three-dimensional form, she took care not to compromise the original tone. She also said that valuing everyday life, together with a humble and open attitude, leads to new discoveries.