Aesop opened its first directly managed store in Kyoto on the 26th. Located in Yanagi-no-baba Sanjo-agaru, Nakagyo Ward, the store's design, always by a young designer, attracts attention, and this time it was designed by Shinichiro Ogata of SIMPLICITY.

The store's interior, inspired by Kyoto's traditional townhouses, features a black and white color scheme. A black mesh veil separates the entrance hall from the retail area. An island display unit with copper piping serves as a demonstration sink in the center of the display space, displaying all of Aesop's products.

In addition, Ogata, who also designs sweets, teas, and original tableware for HIGASHIYA GINZA, has created a limited-edition monaka (Japanese sweet bean paste) (945 yen) to commemorate the opening of the Aesop Kyoto store. This Japanese confection features a black and white skin and a filling flavored with cinnamon, clove, and cardamom. It will be sold exclusively at Aesop's domestic stores, Higashiya, and the IFC store in Hong Kong.