JUN Co., Ltd., the creative force behind some of Tokyo’s most iconic concept stores, is set to open a new venture, V.A. (Various Artists), on December 15, 2024. This cutting-edge concept store will occupy the former site of the legendary Montoak café in Omotesando, a space steeped in cultural history and innovation.

The Legacy of Montoak

Montoak closed its doors in March 2022 after 20 years as a beloved hub for creatives. Originally opened in 2002 and helmed by renowned café producer Uichi Yamamoto (山本宇一), Montoak was a centrepiece of Tokyo’s café boom of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Known for its understated façade and expansive four-level interior, the café attracted a devoted following of artists and tastemakers.

Before Montoak, the site hosted the historic Café de Rope, a pioneer in introducing beverages like Perrier and café au lait to Japan, further cementing the location’s reputation as a cultural crossroads.

What to Expect at V.A.

V.A. aims to be much more than a retail outlet. It is designed as a destination where diverse ideas and creativity intersect. The store will feature:

• Retail Space: Showcasing collaborations with prominent brands and creators through exclusive pop-ups.
• Café & Bakery: Curated by Uichi Yamamoto, offering a culinary experience that blends tradition with innovation.
• Immersive Design: The interior, crafted by acclaimed designer Nobuo Araki of The Archetype, reflects a seamless integration of modern aesthetics with the site’s rich heritage.

The name “V.A.” stands for “Various Artists,” embodying the store’s mission to create a vibrant space for cultural exchange and inspiration.

A Star-Studded Collaboration

The project is helmed by Hiroshi Fujiwara (藤原ヒロシ), often called the godfather of Japanese streetwear, who serves as the store’s director. Fujiwara’s past collaborations with JUN include iconic spaces like:

• The Pool Aoyama: A repurposed residential pool turned boutique in Minami-Aoyama.
• The Parking Ginza: A stylish concept shop in a former parking garage beneath the Sony Building.
• The Conveni: A convenience-store-inspired space in Ginza that pushed retail boundaries.

These projects have consistently attracted global attention, and V.A. is poised to follow in their footsteps.

Opening Details and Visitor Information

Grand Opening: December 15, 2024

Location: 6-1-9 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (closed on irregular days)

More Information: https://vatokyo.com/teaser.html