LOUS VUITTON & Takashi Murakami
- Alex Tsai
- Dec 13, 2025
- 3 min read
LOUIS VUITTON x MURAKAMI POP-UP STORE
Tokyo kicks off 2025 with the “LOUIS VUITTON × MURAKAMI” POP UP. From conquering Cat Street to unveiling dynamic experiences across 3 locations in Harajuku,
Takashi Murakami is once again dreaming alongside Louis Vuitton, this time across 7 cities around the world. When I visited his exhibition in Kyoto, I was overwhelmed by the sheer scale and number of works. Yet beyond the impressive visuals, I could sense a deep love for Japan, expressed through diverse motifs that captured the country’s spirit for an international audience. And there he was in person too, soft-spoken, full of warmth and charm captivating both adults and children alike with that signature smile that makes everyone feel at home.
The venue begins at the Café called Stand By,
where even the latte feels special, crowned with a character illustration atop the foam and served in a paper cup adorned with the LV logo.
Yes, Louis Vuitton is the ultimate expression of luxury.
The ultimate sense of luxury stirred into contemporary art, the irresistible mix. It's playful, it’s provoking, and it makes you feel alive.
I moved on to "THE MESS", the archive exhibition, and ran into my fellow Louis Vuitton fan, Jun.
A charmingly ironic modern-day kid, playful and effortlessly cool.
20 years ago, the world was buzzing with excitement over Takashi Murakami, his iconic Sakura and Cherry pieces now lined up again in this space.
How charismatic it is that his work becomes even newer over time.
Ryu Ogata, beaming as he proudly showed me his collaboration with Billie Eilish, came to pick me up and led me to the final destination, the main venue.While escorted by him, dressed in a Louis Vuitton knit said to belong to his father.
At the first party of the new year, surrounded by a crowd, I suddenly spotted Ninon’s familiar smile, someone I’ve known since childhood. We hugged tightly, bursting with excitement over my “new love story”.
The girl is always the most loyal allies.
As she walked away saying, “Let’s catch up over tea soon!”, she looked absolutely beautiful.
After weaving through the crowd, I arrived at a futuristic cashier inside a stylish bookstore. The twin duo AmiAya appeared, taking turns stepping in, both dressed in crisp white knits adorned with the Louis Vuitton logo. Though they travel the world, even they’re inspired by Harajuku, spreading their own signature style wherever they go.
The fact that this event is being held right here on Harajuku’s Cat Street feels so fitting, it perfectly matches the spirit of Takashi Murakami’s collaboration, loved by so many iconic figures. His works line the shopping space.
Among them, the skateboards stand out brilliantly, and the Japan-exclusive designs are just too adorable, utterly mesmerizing.
There was even a space where you could have items from 20 years ago touched up and repainted, the ultimate form of sustainability, right here.
You could watch skilled artisans carefully restore each piece with color.
A living history, passed down across generations.
The launch party had the energy of a traveling amusement park.
The fragrance I wore generously that day was Louis Vuitton’s CŒUR BATTANT.
With notes of pear, jasmine, and patchouli, it told the story of a dramatic journey through love.
From cheerful greetings to spontaneous reunions, it was a joyful gathering, and the perfect, glamorous start to a brand new year.
BABY MARY xxx
BABY MARY
BABY MARY, an icon who has led the street scene for years and shared the “Harajuku KAWAII” culture with the world, continues to earn the trust of designers across the globe.Her boutique, FALINE, is more than just a store, it’s a movement. A space where each generation of youth comes seeking inspiration, creating a salon-like society driven by love and creativity. Miss Faline by BABY MARY3-6-26 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
