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Kota Kinabalu: Shoppers at Suria Sabah Shopping Mall this March have the perfect reason to take a little detour before or after their usual rounds, as Japanese lifestyle brand MUJI brings its much-anticipated “What is MUJI” exhibition to the mall. 

Everyone is welcomed to step in, explore and experience the world of MUJI up close at the free exhibition currently being held at the mall’s ground floor in front of Innisfree from 10am – 10pm until March 29.

The name MUJI comes from the Japanese phrase Mujirushi Ryohin, which simply means “no brand, quality goods”.

Since it was founded in Japan in the 1980s, MUJI has grown into one of the world’s most trusted lifestyle brands by staying true to three simple values, namely, choosing the right materials, cutting out unnecessary steps in making their products and keeping packaging clean and straightforward. 

The result is everyday items that look good, feel good and last.

“The products we carry are not defined by brands or trends. It is all about how we can prioritise quality,” said Celine, MUJI’s exhibition host, during the media preview, on Wednesday.

“We hope this exhibition will bring our three core principles to life,” she said. 

The exhibition is organised around four areas, each giving visitors a chance to see, touch and try the products for themselves. 

The first area features MUJI’s garments, with the star of the show being the Linen Collection from the 2026 Spring Summer range. 

Made from 100 per cent natural plant-derived fibre, linen is one of MUJI’s most popular annual launches. It is lightweight, breathable, quick to dry and softens with every wash. 

The pieces come in simple cuts and neutral colours that go well with anything already in the wardrobe, making them easy everyday staples for anyone.

Visitors will also find MUJI’s skincare range on display, which has built a loyal following across Asia. 

The highlight is the Fermented Booster Serum, MUJI Japan’s best-selling product with over 5.5 million bottles sold worldwide. Its key ingredient is rice bran derived from brown rice, which works as a first-step essence applied after cleansing and before toner to soften skin and help it absorb the products that follow. 

For those with oily skin, the Fermented Booster Essence Lotion offers a lighter alternative.

Alongside this is the Sensitive Skin Series, a gentle range that is completely free from fragrance, alcohol, colourant, carotene and mineral oil, making it suitable for even the most easily irritated skin. The series includes toning water, moisturising milk and moisturising cream.

The home living section gives visitors a feel for how MUJI products can make any living space feel calm and well organised without relying on unnecessary decoration. 

On display are stackable shelves and chest drawers, a high-back reclining sofa made from soft crushed urethane foam that can be adjusted to different angles for reading or resting, and a solid beech wood furniture range known for its strength and natural warmth. 

True to MUJI’s belief that less is more, every piece is designed to be as useful as it is pleasing to look at.

For those who love to travel, the MUJI To Go section showcases the brand’s popular hand carry cases, available in four sizes ranging from 20 litres for cabin use up to 105 litres for longer trips. 

Each case is fitted with smooth double-wheel casters that glide quietly and a locking stopper that holds the case steady at any angle.

The travel range also includes compact organiser pouches, gusset cases for keeping clothes neat inside luggage and a soft memory foam neck cushion ideal for long journeys.

Visitors who come to try the skincare products at the exhibition are in for a bonus.

Those who follow MUJI Malaysia on Instagram or Facebook and sign up for a MUJI Passport app account or a MUJI website account will walk away with a free B5 printed jute bag, while stocks last. 

On top of that, both the Fermented Booster Series and the Sensitive Skin Series are available at a special 10 per cent discount exclusively for the duration of the exhibition.

The MUJI retail store, where the full range of products is available to purchase and try on, is located at the mall’s lower ground floor.