Dreams do come true. Japan’s minimalist MUJI brand has launched their online store for the U.S. market. Now,  you do not have to head to SOHO or JFK Airport to visit the MUJI shop. Everything in store (and quite possibly more) is available online. Stock up on those card holders, people.

Visit the online MUJI store now.

Selectism favorite, MUJI, has just announced the results of their MUJI AWARD 03 for 2008 revolving around the theme of “Found MUJI.” More than 1900 applications from 35 countries were submitted. This year’s gold prize winner came from Yuki lida of Japan with “Straw Straw.” The straw is made from wheat and was once represented on ancient wall art. “Wall art depicting people using straws of wheat to drink from have been discovered from ancient Mesopotamian ruins. Straws of wheat are forms created by nature; they are materials that return to the soil. There’s no waste in either the shape itself, or in its actual existence.”

View the entire list of MUJI AWARD 03 for 2008 at MUJI.

Often overlooked for fellow Japanese retailer Uniqlo in the fashion department, MUJI delivers low cost design and functional everyday objects. In the USA, the quest for MUJI product can be a bit frustrating. (Very) Limited doors and similarly limited web presence make it tough. However, their wares still impress and excite.

A recent development is the Rescue Cotton Shirt. This is made from “ochiwata,” essentially the materially left over in the weaving processes. MUJI has used this waste cotton before, though for dish towels rather than clothing. For shirts it’s touted as super soft and very comfortable. The eco-friendly among you certainly won’t scoff at the positive application of typically disguarded materials either.

via: Core 77.

In an article in NYT The Moment published today, writer Nike Currie, notes that MUJI, our favorite no-branding, non nonsense accessories store (which just opening their flagship in NYC on May 30th) is planning to open as many as 40 new stores in cities across the United States. Boston?

Mr Curries story, which can be read in its entirety at The Moment, also gives a quick history lesson into MUJI for those who (for shame) are not familiar with the Japanese company.

The New York Times has a nice new article up about the recently opened Muji Flagship Store in Manhattan – The Civilized World Finds A Refugee.

“Muji’s bright cube-room on Broadway takes all the ugliness out of shopping. A refined combination of Kate’s Paperie, Uniqlo, Bed Bath & Beyond and the Container Store, it is the folded-down, crisp origami essence of a superstore. Everything here seems a necessity — stationery, bedding, flatware, rain gear — so that for once in your consumer holiday journeying, you can shop for gifts and convince yourself you are not being a slop pig.”

Check it out here.