Artisanal Intelligence: A Distinction in the Furniture & Lifestyle Industry

The atomi Proposition: A Foundation of Authenticity

The Soul of the Brand: A Founder-Led Narrative

The foundation of the atomi brand is not built on fleeting trends, but on a deeply personal and bicultural story. Established in 2009 by Singaporean Andrew Tan and his Japanese wife, Mitsuko Murano, atomi is the realisation of a shared dream: to introduce something truly unique to Singapore that promotes authentic Japanese design and a comfortable lifestyle. This origin story is codified in the very name of the company. atomi　（アトミ) is an eponymous creation, combining a （ア） for ʼAndrewʼ, mi（ミ） for ʼMitsukoʼ, and the Japanese particle to (ト), which means ʼandʼ.

As founders, we pledge our names to create a brand worthy of the quality, ensuring that atomi represents our provenance, our vision, and our dedication. This narrative of direct, personal accountability is a powerful differentiator in a market often dominated by faceless corporations. We hope to transform the act of purchasing furniture into participation in a personal vision. Our brand's guiding philosophy, Japanese designs x Comfortable lifestyle, is the consistent thread that runs through every aspect of the business, from product selection to the in-store experience. This philosophy must serve as the anchor for all brand communications.

The Curatorial Mandate: Beyond Retail to Gatekeeping

atomi operates not as a mere retailer, but as a cultural ambassador, a role defined by a stringent and principled curatorial process. A clear, three-pronged mandate governs the selection of every item. First, products must be designed by Japanese artisans and/or crafted in Japan. Second, they must be comfortable and demonstrably enhance the user's daily life. Third, and most critically for its market position, atomi must be the first retailer or distributor for the brand in Singapore. This commitment to first to move is a cornerstone of its value proposition, ensuring that its offerings are rare and highly sought-after.

A commitment to deeper values further reinforces this mandate. The company gives priority to environmentally friendly products and, significantly, to items that apply traditional skills passed down through generations of Japanese craftsmen. This focus on cultural preservation elevates the brand beyond commerce, positioning it as a patron of heritage. The fact that the owners themselves specially handpick every item reinforces the founder-led narrative and their role as expert curators.

Each product is presented not as inventory, but as the crystallisation of Japanese designers' hard work, crafted to enrich daily life. This careful curation ensures that customers are not just buying an object, but a piece of a meticulously constructed lifestyle vision.

The Shokunin Spirit

The Philosophy of Making Central to the artisan's identity is the concept of Shokunin, the Japanese spirit of artisanal mastery that embodies a deep respect for heritage, unwavering dedication, and a relentless pursuit of precision. This philosophy is the invisible hallmark of every piece in the atomi collection. It is this spirit that animates the brand's promise of well-built furniture that lasts for generations, a direct and compelling counter-narrative to the prevalent culture of disposable, fast furniture.

This philosophy is tangibly demonstrated across the product range. It is evident in the high-end, exclusive furniture from renowned makers like Maruni Furniture Inc., Nissin Furniture Crafters, Sugiyama and Hiromatsu Furniture Inc. It is equally present in the meticulously crafted lifestyle items, from the subtle aroma of a Cul De Sac Hiba Wood Diffuser to the delicate form of Japanese glassware, Hirota Glass Tokyo.

By championing the Shokunin spirit, atomi connects the aesthetic beauty of its products to the profound cultural values of their creation, offering customers an investment in enduring quality and timeless design. While other retailers in Singapore may also carry Japanese brands, no competitor can replicate the authentic a-to-mi story. This narrative transforms atomi from a simple point of sale into a cultural bridge, curated with a singular, passionate vision. We are the founders, from owners to tastemakers and storytellers—whose personal pledge is the ultimate guarantee of quality—is the artisanal intelligence strategy for distinction.