Muji starting with a monthly subscription service with Idee

Muji is to launch a subscription service for furniture and interior goods with its design brand Idee.

The rental service will feature three basic sets – “sleep”, “learn/work,” and “relax” – starting from US$7.50 per month. The company also offers annual subscriptions for one to four-year plans.

The Muji and Idee service offers a solution for furniture waste problems, following the brand’s new philosophy – “use rather than possession”.

“Muji aims to solve various problems … occurring in society by paying close attention to the earth and the times, and by preparing our lives through products and services that are the basis of our lives,” the company said in a statement.

Muji also offers two renovation plans for compact home offices across 23 wards of Tokyo. In addition, customers can receive free online home consultations from 115 interior advisors at 45 Muji stores across the country.

Furniture subscription services are not a new concept but are beginning to gain momentum in large cities with small apartments. Ikea launched a similar service in some European countries saying last year it planned a roll out in 30 markets this year.

The Muji subscription service will start from July 17 at selected stores in Japan including Muji Ginza and Muji Grand Front Osaka.