Artisanal Intelligence: A Distinction in the Furniture & Lifestyle Industryatomi — The First and Last Word in Japanese Design

the atomi way

the atomi way: Japanese Designs x Comfortable Lifestyle

atomi, founded in 2009 by husband-and-wife team Andrew Tan and Mitsuko Murano, is a Singapore-based lifestyle brand dedicated to curating high-quality, made-in-Japan products. Located in Mandarin Gallery, atomi has established itself as a purveyor of fine Japanese furniture, homeware, fashion, and accessories, all centred around the philosophy of "Japanese Designs x Comfortable Lifestyle."

The brand is an eponymous creation, a blend of its founders' names (Andrew and Mitsuko), symbolising their deep personal and professional commitment. It serves as a unique bridge between their respective cultures—Andrew's Singaporean roots and Mitsuko's Japanese heritage—creating a narrative that is both personal and globally appealing.

The Founding Journey

The story of atomi began with a shared passion for Japanese culture and a desire to create a business that was an extension of the founders' own lives. After years in the corporate world, Andrew and Mitsuko took a leap of faith, bootstrapping the company with their own funds to maintain creative control and authenticity.

They opened their first petite boutique in Mandarin Gallery amidst a financial crisis, a bold move driven by a clear vision: to introduce a curated collection of Japanese lifestyle products to Singapore. The initial months were challenging, with a bare-looking shop and the mall's delayed opening, but they quickly established an experiential retail model, hosting wine tastings and product demonstrations that brought their philosophy to life.

The entrepreneurial journey was not without its hurdles. As a husband-and-wife team, they faced the immense pressure of merging their personal and professional lives, working 360 days a year in the initial stages. However, this hands-on approach became a cornerstone of their success, allowing them to connect directly with customers and build lasting relationships.

Philosophy: The "atomi way"

"The atomi way" is a philosophy built on several core principles:

  • Authenticity and Curation: Every item is handpicked by Andrew and Mitsuko, reflecting their personal tastes and a commitment to products they genuinely love and use. They focus on timeless classics, quality craftsmanship, and the stories behind the artisans.

  • Valued Partnerships: atomi values loyalty and trust, building enduring relationships with Japanese suppliers and artisans. They have stood by their partners through difficult times, such as the 2011 earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • The Five Senses: The retail experience is designed to pamper all five senses—from the signature scent of Hiba wood, the sight of beautifully arranged displays, the sound of curated background music, the taste of products during in-store events, to the touch and feel of high-quality materials.

Products and Artisans

atomi specialises in products that embody Japanese aesthetics and functionality. The selection is a testament to the skill of the shokunin (master craftsmen) and a deep appreciation for natural materials.

  • Wood: With a focus on sustainability, atomi partners with woodworking brands from Gifu Prefecture, offering furniture and lifestyle products made from responsibly sourced domestic timber like Hiba wood.

  • Ceramics and Glassware: The brand showcases the work of Japanese potters and glassmakers, including collaborations with female artisans. These pieces, from ultra-thin glassware to uniquely glazed tableware, are chosen for their beauty, functionality, and the fire of creativity behind them.

  • Lifestyle and Accessories: The collection extends to linen, kitchenware, essential oils, and even exclusive collaborations like glass cufflinks, all designed to enhance everyday life.

Beyond the Boutique: atomi's Vision

atomi is more than just a retail shop; it's a multi-faceted brand with a global vision.

  • atomi x consulting: Leveraging Andrew's extensive corporate experience, this arm of the business offers management consulting services, assisting brands with go-to-market strategies, particularly for those looking to venture into Japan.

  • E-commerce: The brand has a strong online presence with two e-commerce sites, atomi.shop and actushause.com, extending its reach beyond the physical store.

  • Future Plans: Andrew and Mitsuko envision expanding "the atomi way." Plans are underway for new transformations; with several initiatives such as atomi house, creating retail, café & bar, an experiential space that blends retail with gastronomy. They are also actively planning to launch atomi in Japan, a bold move to bring unique Singapore-Japan concept to Mitsuko's home country, showcasing Asian-centric brands to the Japanese market.

Ultimately, atomi is a legacy brand being built for the next generation. It is a story of passion, perseverance, and the art of living well, crafted one thoughtfully chosen piece at a time.