Plaza Top 10 Trendy Goods Must-Haves: Ultimate Japanese Lifestyle Shopping Guide for Singaporeans
# Plaza Top 10 Trendy Goods Must-Haves: Ultimate Japanese Lifestyle Shopping Guide for Singaporeans Discover Japan's trendiest lifestyle goods from Plaza, the go-to destination for Singaporean shoppe...
Plaza Top 10 Trendy Goods Must-Haves: Ultimate Japanese Lifestyle Shopping Guide for Singaporeans
Discover Japan's trendiest lifestyle goods from Plaza, the go-to destination for Singaporean shoppers seeking unique Japanese finds! Plaza's curated selection showcases the latest kawaii culture, innovative beauty products, and quirky lifestyle items that define contemporary Japanese style. Your ultimate guide to Japan's coolest trendy goods with 40-60% savings compared to Singapore prices.
Why Plaza Rankings Matter for Singaporean Shoppers
Plaza (プラザ), also known as MINiPLA, is Japan's leading trendy goods retailer, specializing in cosmetics, lifestyle products, and unique finds that capture the essence of kawaii culture. For Singaporean shoppers, Plaza represents the perfect blend of affordable luxury, Instagram-worthy products, and items you simply can't find elsewhere.
Key advantages for Singaporean lifestyle enthusiasts:
- Trend authority: First to stock viral Japanese beauty and lifestyle products
- Price advantage: 40-60% cheaper than Singapore specialty stores
- Tax-free shopping: Additional 10% savings for tourists in Japan
- Exclusive finds: Many products never make it to Singapore
- Quality curation: Every item vetted for quality and trendiness
- Kawaii culture: Authentic Japanese cute aesthetic
1. Canmake Cream Cheek Blush
Price in Japan: ¥638 (~S$6)
Singapore Price: ~S$14.90 (Watsons, Guardian)
Savings: ~S$8.90 (60% off)
Canmake's cream cheek blush is a Plaza bestseller and Japanese beauty staple, offering buildable color that looks natural on Asian skin tones. The creamy formula blends seamlessly and lasts all day in Singapore's humidity, making it a cult favorite among Singaporean beauty enthusiasts.
Why Singaporeans love it: At S$6 in Japan versus S$14.90 in Singapore, you can afford to buy multiple shades for different looks. The compact size makes it perfect for travel, and the formula works beautifully in tropical climates.
Key features:
- Creamy, blendable formula
- Long-lasting in humid weather
- Multiple shades for Asian skin tones
- Compact mirror included
- Can be used on lips as well
Best for: Anyone seeking natural-looking blush that survives Singapore's climate.
2. Marna Shupatto Compact Bag
Price in Japan: ¥1,980 (~S$18)
Singapore Price: ~S$38 (Tokyu Hands, online)
Savings: ~S$20 (53% off)
The Marna Shupatto is Japan's ingenious foldable shopping bag that collapses to pocket size in seconds. This award-winning design combines Japanese engineering with practical functionality—perfect for Singaporeans who want to reduce plastic bag use without carrying bulky reusables.
Singapore comparison: While available at Tokyu Hands, buying in Japan saves you 53% and gives you access to exclusive colors and limited editions not available in Singapore.
Key features:
- Folds flat in one motion (patented design)
- Holds up to 5kg
- Water-resistant polyester
- Machine washable
- Available in 20+ colors and patterns
Best for: Eco-conscious shoppers seeking stylish, practical reusable bags.
3. Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Edge Meister Mascara
Price in Japan: ¥1,320 (~S$12)
Singapore Price: ~S$24.90 (Watsons, Guardian)
Savings: ~S$12.90 (52% off)
Shiseido's Majolica Majorca line is a Plaza staple, and this mascara is legendary for creating dramatic lashes without clumping. The unique comb-brush design reaches every lash, including tiny corner lashes that Asian eyes often have.
Why it's worth the luggage space: At 52% cheaper in Japan, you can stock up on this cult favorite. The formula is specifically designed for Asian lashes (typically shorter and straighter), making it more effective than Western mascaras.
Key features:
- Comb-brush for precise application
- Lengthening and volumizing formula
- Smudge-proof and humidity-resistant
- Easy to remove with warm water
- Designed for Asian lash types
Best for: Anyone seeking dramatic lashes that last in Singapore's humidity.
4. Kakimori Fountain Pen Ink
Price in Japan: ¥1,760 (~S$16)
Singapore Price: ~S$35 (Specialty stationery stores, online)
Savings: ~S$19 (54% off)
Kakimori's custom-blended fountain pen inks represent Japanese stationery craftsmanship at its finest. Plaza carries a curated selection of these artisanal inks, which are made in small batches and offer unique colors you won't find anywhere else.
Singapore comparison: Kakimori inks are extremely rare in Singapore, with only a few specialty stores carrying limited stock at premium prices. Buying in Japan gives you access to the full color range.
Key features:
- Custom-blended colors (50+ options)
- Water-based, non-toxic formula
- Smooth flow for fountain pens
- Beautiful glass bottle
- Made in Japan with artisanal care
Best for: Stationery enthusiasts and fountain pen collectors.
5. Afternoon Tea Living Thermal Mug
Price in Japan: ¥2,200 (~S$20)
Singapore Price: ~S$42 (Takashimaya, online)
Savings: ~S$22 (52% off)
Afternoon Tea Living's thermal mugs combine Japanese engineering with adorable designs. These vacuum-insulated mugs keep drinks hot for 6 hours or cold for 12 hours, making them perfect for Singapore's air-conditioned offices and outdoor heat.
Why Singaporeans love it: At 52% cheaper in Japan, you can afford to buy multiple mugs for home, office, and gym. The designs are exclusively Japanese—floral patterns, seasonal motifs, and kawaii characters not available elsewhere.
Key features:
- Vacuum insulation (keeps temp for hours)
- Leak-proof lid
- Fits in car cup holders
- Adorable Japanese designs
- BPA-free materials
Best for: Anyone who wants functional drinkware with Japanese aesthetic.
6. Kitta Portable Washi Tape
Price in Japan: ¥396 (~S$3.60)
Singapore Price: ~S$8.90 (Popular, Art Friend)
Savings: ~S$5.30 (60% off)
King Jim's Kitta washi tape revolutionized portable stationery with pre-cut strips in a compact case. This Plaza bestseller is perfect for planners, journals, and quick decorating—and at 60% cheaper than Singapore, you can build an entire collection.
Singapore comparison: While available in Singapore, the selection is limited and prices are marked up. Plaza carries exclusive designs and seasonal collections not exported to Singapore.
Key features:
- Pre-cut strips (no scissors needed)
- Compact case fits in wallets
- 10 strips per pack
- Repositionable adhesive
- 100+ design options
Best for: Journal enthusiasts and stationery collectors.
7. Snoopy Collaboration Items
Price in Japan: ¥1,100-¥3,300 (~S$10-30)
Singapore Price: ~S$25-65 (Specialty stores, online)
Savings: ~S$15-35 (60% off)
Plaza is famous for exclusive Snoopy collaborations with Japanese brands, creating limited-edition items that combine Peanuts characters with Japanese design sensibility. These collaborations sell out quickly and are highly sought after by Singaporean collectors.
Why it's worth buying in Japan: These collaborations are often Japan-exclusive, and when they do appear in Singapore, prices are doubled. Plaza offers the widest selection at Japanese retail prices.
Key features:
- Japan-exclusive designs
- Limited edition collaborations
- High-quality materials
- Collectible items
- Range from stationery to lifestyle goods
Best for: Snoopy fans and collectors of Japanese character goods.
8. Lululun Face Masks
Price in Japan: ¥1,760 for 32 sheets (~S$16)
Singapore Price: ~S$32 (Don Don Donki, online)
Savings: ~S$16 (50% off)
Lululun is Japan's #1 selling face mask brand, and Plaza carries the full range including limited regional editions. These daily-use masks provide hydration perfect for Singapore's air-conditioned environments, and the price per mask is unbeatable.
Singapore comparison: While Don Don Donki carries Lululun, the selection is limited and prices are higher. Plaza offers exclusive regional editions (Hokkaido lavender, Okinawa shikuwasa) not available in Singapore.
Key features:
- 32 masks per pack (one month supply)
- Lightweight, breathable sheet
- Various formulations (hydrating, brightening, anti-aging)
- Regional limited editions
- Affordable daily use
Best for: Anyone seeking affordable, effective daily face masks.
9. Pilot Juice Up Gel Pens
Price in Japan: ¥110 per pen (~S$1)
Singapore Price: ~S$2.50 (Popular, Art Friend)
Savings: ~S$1.50 (60% off)
Pilot's Juice Up gel pens are a Plaza staple, offering smooth writing and vibrant colors at incredibly low prices. These pens are beloved by students and professionals alike for their reliability and the huge range of colors available.
Why Singaporeans love it: At 60% cheaper than Singapore, you can afford to buy the entire color range (36 colors). The pens write smoothly on any paper and the ink doesn't smudge or bleed through.
Key features:
- 36 vibrant colors
- Smooth gel ink flow
- 0.4mm fine point
- Comfortable grip
- Refillable (eco-friendly)
Best for: Students, bullet journal enthusiasts, and anyone who loves colorful pens.
10. Sanrio Character Goods
Price in Japan: ¥550-¥2,200 (~S$5-20)
Singapore Price: ~S$12-45 (Sanrio stores, online)
Savings: ~S$7-25 (58% off)
Plaza carries an extensive range of Sanrio character goods (Hello Kitty, My Melody, Cinnamoroll, Kuromi) that are significantly cheaper than Singapore's official Sanrio stores. From stationery to lifestyle items, these products showcase Japanese kawaii culture at its finest.
Singapore comparison: While Singapore has Sanrio stores, prices are marked up and the selection is limited to core characters. Plaza offers exclusive collaborations and seasonal items at Japanese retail prices.
Key features:
- Official Sanrio licensed products
- Exclusive Japanese designs
- Seasonal and limited editions
- Wide range of characters
- High-quality materials
Best for: Sanrio fans and collectors of kawaii character goods.
Shopping Tips for Plaza
Location: Plaza stores are found in major shopping districts across Japan, with flagship stores in Shibuya, Harajuku, and Shinjuku.
Tax-Free Shopping: Purchases over ¥5,000 qualify for tax-free shopping (present passport).
Best Time to Visit: Seasonal sales (January, July) offer additional 20-30% discounts.
Limited Editions: Check the "NEW" section for latest releases and limited collaborations.
Payment: Credit cards accepted. Some stores offer additional points for cash payments.
Why Plaza is Perfect for Singaporean Shoppers
Plaza represents the heart of Japanese trendy culture—affordable, cute, and endlessly creative. For Singaporean shoppers, Plaza offers access to products that define contemporary Japanese lifestyle at prices 40-60% lower than Singapore, with the added benefit of tax-free shopping.
The store's focus on curation means every item has been vetted for quality and trendiness. Whether you're seeking viral beauty products, unique stationery, or kawaii lifestyle goods, Plaza's selection guides you to the best of Japanese trendy culture.
Total potential savings on all 10 items: ~S$140 compared to Singapore prices—enough to fund another shopping trip to Plaza!