Tokyo >> Ikea, the Swedish furniture giant, envisions a global expansion into urban areas of Japan.

The company plans to open multiple stores in central Tokyo and eventually expand into Osaka, Ikea Japan K.K. President Helene von Reis said.

“Tokyo is so big, of course one shop is not enough. We will do many shops in Tokyo,” the company’s Japan chief said. “Then we will move into Osaka.”

Ikea has previously prioritized large stores in Japan, opening one such outlet in Nagakute, Aichi Prefecture, last year.

“We are working very hard to find the right sites in Tokyo … hopefully I will be able to give you some good news before this year is over,” she said.

The company also acknowledges consumer preferences are changing. She emphasized that Ikea wants to play an important role in realizing work-life balance in Japan.

“The work-life balance discussion actually helps the home … be a more important place for Japanese people. There is a lot in that for potential growth in the home furnishings market in Japan.”