Japanese innovation has come a very long way since its invention of instant ramen. We could list a truly elongated list of products birthed out of the land of the rising sun that’s served us pretty damn well, whether in times of difficulty or during the leisurely moments. Considering how extensive their innovative products and designs are, it would come as no surprise if you are unaware of the vast majority of them. Cue KONCENT, a Tokyo-based design shop and cafe that introduces consumers to the realm of Japanese designs.
Tucked in the quaint streets of Petaling Jaya, we were greeted with classic Japanese friendliness (disclaimer: the shopkeepers are 100% Malaysian) by Mike Saw, Patrick Chin and Leonard Phang, the front liners of KONCENT Malaysia. Friends for well over a decade, Mike, Patrick and Leonard are design enthusiasts and have a profound love for Japanese art and design.
They first stumbled upon the idea of bringing KONCENT over to Malaysia when they came across a brand (“+d”) under KONCENT Tokyo while they were travelling across Singapore. Amazed by the various product designs showcased, a call was made to Tokyo and to their surprise they were given the green light to open an outlet locally.
“I wanted to have a space where people can come, enjoy a cup of coffee and share a mutual interest in art & design and not feel intimidated.” -Mike.
While operating an interior and graphic design firm Pride Studio upstairs, they also manage a lifestyle boutique in Bangsar Shopping Centre called The Jekyll and Hyde Project.
Focusing on selling unique homeware alongside fun and functional goods, KONCENT houses an array of brands that depict Japan’s quirky innovation. Their best-seller is the Cao Maru, a stressball that allows you to relieve tension and change its facial expression at a whim. It has sold over 1,200 units to date.
One the brands that caught our eye is Soil that solely focuses on creating homeware made from diatomaceous earth- a highly absorbent material that retains water very efficiently and dries quickly- that comes in a hue of pastels. Imagine serving your guests cold beverages with coasters that absorbs water quickly and doesn’t make your social setting messy. It’s not something we considered to be essential initially, but after seeing it for ourselves it instantly shot up to being one of the top 10 items we would recommend for the household.
They don’t just sell super cool coasters and bath mats; items such as stationary, craftily created leather bags and other crazy innovations on conventional products are on display and for sale over at KONCENT Malaysia. To complement the entire KONCENT experience, the good folks there have set up a café corner in which visitors can get a cuppa and indulge in a selection of desserts by Hartamas’ Tray Cafe.
They also have a slew of design related periodicals for anyone to browse through and be inspired. So head down over to KONCENT Malaysia, grab a magazine, admire the aesthetic and functionality of the products, order a genmaicha and engage in a conversation with the shopkeepers. Either way, you won’t regret it.
Address:
30-1, Jalan PJU 1/3D,
SunwayMas Commercial Centre,
47301 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor, Malaysia
Contact:
+603-7886-9340
info@koncent.com.my
