CIBI a first generation design story
How does a Hakusan Porcelain butter dish come to live a happy life upon a kitchen bench in Australia?
This exhibition CIBI, a first generation design story, tells the story of CIBI’s creation and the welcoming of design from Japan into an Australian lifestyle. Created in 2008 as an expression of a way of living, CIBI was conceived as a space between two countries - Australia and Japan to fulfill the vision of co-founders Meg and Zenta Tanaka, first generation migrants from Japan.
This exhibition introduces you to the Japanese tenet of i-shoku-ju, that over time was gently refined to head, hands and heart, as a foundation to champion simple everyday design to enrich daily life. Japan; an offer of centuries of design tradition and craftsmanship, Australia; a welcoming context and an emphasis on a relaxed lifestyle.
This exhibition shares the intellect behind the CIBI lifestyle concept of Design Food and Space, revealing three unique and distinct philosophies: Design, what we use, Food how we feel and Space how we live. the perfect stimulation before walking into a playful, immersive installation of design narrated to you along a timeline from 2008 to the present day. Design objects that naturally live within our daily CIBI lifestyle. Enjoy!!
CIBI Design Philosophy - Design Enriches everyday living
CIBI's design philosophy is centered around the idea that good design enriches everyday living. By combining timeless, functional, and joyful elements, we create spaces and objects that inspire, comfort, and elevate daily life, inviting both beauty and purpose into every moment.
Design is not only about aesthetics it is also a reflection of life and an invitation to enrich everyday experiences. Our philosophy is based on creating pieces that are timeless, practical, functional, and playful — but, above all, pieces that inspire joy in everyday living moments. The joy of design lies in the simplicity of its purpose: to serve, to uplift, and to inspire. By interacting with them, we hope you’ll find that the simplest moments — whether it’s sipping tea, enjoying a meal, or relaxing in a well-designed space — become richer and more meaningful.
CIBI design philosophy is deeply rooted in the traditions of Japanese craftsmanship, where care, attention to detail, and respect for materials are paramount. Every object we share that carries the essence of these traditions, passed down through generations of artisans. Whether it's a handcrafted kitchen tool or a beautifully designed piece of furniture, each item embodies craftsmanship that goes beyond functionality.
Each product is meant to be lived with, used, incorporated into your daily life, and cherished as something precious, crafted to last for generations. These are not disposable items; they are built to endure, to be cared for, and to bring joy for years to come. This is the heart of the CIBI philosophy: living with design that nourishes, enriches, and adds joy to everyday life.
CIBI Food Philosophy: Nourishing Body and Soul
Food is more than sustenance — it’s about how we live, care, and share. We believe that good food brings us joy, nourishes our bodies and souls, and is an expression of love. It’s about simplicity: using fresh, seasonal ingredients, preparing them thoughtfully, with a gentle rootedness in Japanese home cooking. We aim to create food that is as enjoyable to cook as it is to eat — food that nourishes not just the body, but the heart.
CIBI food is about creating nourishing, wholesome meals rooted in care, seasonal living, Our dishes are simple yet thoughtful, crafted with locally sourced produce and guided by a genuine respect for ingredients. Each meal reflects our philosophy — food that sustains, connects, and brings warmth to daily life. Whether shared at home or enjoyed in our space, CIBI food invites you to slow down, eat well, and be present.
Japanese Breakfast: A Family Tradition : Our Japanese breakfast is where Meg’s roots shine. Passed down from her grandmother, it’s a humble, authentic meal that evokes the warmth of home and childhood. This dish embodies CIBI’s heart: food that recalls simpler times while honoring heritage and nurturing the body and soul. It’s a meal that not only nourishes but also brings people together, creating moments of connection over shared experiences.
CIBI Lunch Plate: True to Our Philosophy : Our signature CIBI lunch plate, just like our Japanese breakfast, embodies our core values: nourishing, balanced, colourful, and joyful. Intentionally curated, each plate is designed not just to fill you up, but to leave you feeling nourished and energized — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Every bite reflects the love and care we put into our food, offering a wholesome experience that makes you feel good after eating, not stuffed. It's about moderation, mindful eating, and savoring each moment. Every plate we serve is an expression of care, connection, and the joy of good food.
Since 2008, from Melbourne to Tokyo, we’ve been preparing food that touches the heart. Watching our customers grow, return, and share meals with loved ones fills us with immense joy. Every plate we serve is more than just food; it’s a connection — a meaningful moment in everyday life.
CIBI Space – A Reflection of Life
CIBI Space is a living entity, shaped by the philosophy of thoughtful design and meaningful interaction. It’s where form meets function, and where each element is carefully considered not just for its use, but for how it makes us feel, think, and connect.
Every space we create is meant to awaken the intellect, inspire creativity, and bring comfort. Here, simplicity is embraced, but within that simplicity, there is depth—a space that invites you to live fully, to enjoy life, and to experience beauty in the everyday.
The energy, the warmth, the movement — all come together to create an atmosphere that nurtures, inspires, and delights. It is through these sensory moments that we experience the magic of our space. As Zenta Tanaka, our co-founder & creative director, beautifully captured:
“CIBI is the smile we get from our customers in the morning,
The greetings that accompany the delivery of fruit and vegetables,
The sound of steaming milk that makes us feel warm in winter,
The aromas of cooking helping everyone move a little faster,
The magic moment of tasting unexpected flavors and combinations,
The sip of a cool drink from a beautiful handmade glass,
And the delight of discovering something new to you...“
This poem encapsulates the essence of CIBI Space. It reminds us that design isn’t just about what we see; it’s about what we feel, hear, and experience. It’s about bringing all these moments into harmony — a true reflection of life, lived in the present, shared together.
CIBI a lifestyle concept store
CIBI is a lifestyle concept of Design, Food and Space, designed ‘to make people happy’. Conceived as three living elements that co-exist and support each other to enrich our everyday life. The CIBI lifestyle is a reflection of the Japanese tenet I-Shoku-Jyu which represents three essential pillars of daily life; i - clothing, shoku - food and jyu - shelter, the basic needs of a good healthy life. We interpreted I-Shoku-Jyu as; beautiful Design, wholesome balanced Food and comfortable Space.
Each element does not demand strict obedience, rather it offers a gentle guide to a healthy life, an acknowledgment of their influence upon how we feel everyday. The ritual of a morning coffee at CIBI is a simple illustration of our interpretation of I-Shoku-Jyu, beautiful Design wholesome balanced Food and comfortable Space
Design; we love the beauty of the crema, crisp against the white porcelain of the H-Type Coffee Cup and Saucer, 1972. Its minimal aesthetic is perfect for eyes that have just awoken and its rounded edge offers comfort to your lip as you enjoy a sip.
Food; CIBI Blend, locally roasted organic blend, is created with heart and long term friendship, CIBI and Dukes Coffee, a flavour profile of dry cherry, dark chocolate and a sweet finish to awaken your body and soul.
Space; the white brick walls reflect the morning light, a gentle conversation with a friend, a discovery of a much loved toy sitting upon the window ledge, sharing space with others, a wholesome beginning to our day.
A philosophy of head hands heart
CIBI philosophy Head, Hands and Heart, developed upon the foundation of I-Shoku-Jyu, was created as a framework for which to think and act. A philosophy to rebalance or refine our thoughts and actions within a lifestyle of Design, Food and Space. It is only when all three are present, an engagement with all three, does it truly feel CIBI.
Head - our thinking
A stimulation or engagement of the mind, can equally present as the beginning of an idea, to create and bring something new into the world or as a measurement of design that is timeless in that it stimulates the mind regardless of age. The joy of thought, when using a beautifully designed object. A smile of the mind, when pouring Masahiro Mori’s iconic, drip free, elegant G Soy Sauce Bottle, 1958 at the table.
Hands - our doing
Our actions where a thought materialises, comes to life, to live within our lifestyle. In this space we engage connection to the makers, the craftspeople whose hands live with the object we now hold. Designing functional, thoughtful and aesthetically beautiful objects that we invite to part of our everyday life, to support life and enrich normal everyday actions.
Heart - our feeling
The stimulation of the heart is an eternal human experience. We warmly remember that feeling we had as a child for our favourite toy, a feeling big enough to be our whole world. CIBI values that feeling and pursues it to carry into daily life, to enrich everyday life. CIB Everyday Glass, 2017, crafted by Shotoku Glass are designed as a pair, a visual prompt towards the joy of sharing, a pair of glasses that can bring people together to enjoy a conversation and present a moment of connection, sharing with your friend or guest.
