Pioneering Japanese aesthetics and comfort in Singapore's furniture scene

atomi, a unique brand, has been shaping Singapore's furniture and lifestyle market since 2009. Founded by Andrew Tan and Mitsuko Murano, atomi has established a niche by curating an exclusive selection of Japanese furniture and lifestyle products. In this interview with Andrew, we start by exploring the origins of atomi's name and its philosophy, and how the brand has successfully navigated challenges like global crises and shifting market dynamics to maintain its lead. Andrew shares insights into the brand's future endeavours, particularly the exciting 'atomi Homes' project, designed to offer an escape from the demands of urban life.

Can you tell us about the origin of the name "atomi" and how it reflects the philosophy of your brand?

atomi celebrates Japanese aesthetics and modern living comfort. Its name “atomi” is a fusion of “a” for Andrew and “mi” for Mitsuko, united by “to,” which means “and” in Japanese. Founded by Andrew Tan and Mitsuko Murano in 2009, Atomi meticulously selects a variety of furniture, lifestyle products, and seasonal delights from Japan. You can experience atomi on Level 4 of the Mandarin Gallery, nestled within the Hilton Singapore Orchard, or explore their offerings online through the atomi website, where more products are showcased along with details and pricing—a rarity in the Singapore market, as most furniture retailers do not list their prices online. Our philosophy is centered on introducing Japanese designs and promoting a comfortable lifestyle in the atomi way. We honor authenticity and innovation by establishing atomi as a unique brand that embodies both Singaporean and Japanese values.

Since 2009, how has the furniture industry in Singapore evolved, and what role has atomi played in that evolution?