Apple Ginza was the company’s first retail store outside the US, opening way back in 2003. It reopens on Friday in its original location with what Apple describes as an “all-new design.” New features include a double-skin glass facade with integrated adaptive louvers that help regulate light and temperature throughout the day … Apple says that the design of the store was intended to reflect Japanese aesthetics. The store’s thoughtful layout combines sustainability with a distinctly modern design, incorporating regionally sourced materials and a double-skin glass façade with adaptive louvers that help regulate light and temperature throughout the day. Its reimagined layout floods each floor with natural light and offers balcony-like spaces overlooking the vibrant streets of Ginza. Inside, warm wooden paneling nods to Japanese design. An accessibility change we’ve seen in a number of recent store openings is both higher and lower seating and tables to suit customers with different needs. Apple CEO Tim Cook said that the store holds a special place in the team’s hearts. “Apple Ginza holds a special place in our hearts as our very first Retail store outside the U.S., and its opening more than 20 years ago marked a new chapter in how we connect with our customers around the world,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “This reopening is another incredible milestone on our journey here in Japan, and a symbol of our strong ties to customers and communities across the country. We couldn’t be more excited to open the doors to this beautifully redesigned space, share our latest products, and build on the incredible history we share.” There will also be a special spatial audio and spatial video experience available. To celebrate the reopening, Apple Ginza will launch a special Today at Apple Spotlight session in collaboration with Japanese supergroup Number_i, exploring Spatial Audio and spatial video through their single, “U.M.A.” The session will debut exclusively at Apple Ginza before expanding to stores across Japan on October 11. Fans can also book one-on-one demos of Apple Vision Pro to step into an immersive behind-the-scenes look at the “U.M.A.” music video in the Spatial Gallery app. Check out the gallery of images below (click/tap to enlarge). Highlighted accessories Photos: Apple