Creative Unit TENT Signs Exclusive Distribution Agreement with Hyphen Inc. for Korean Market

TENT (TENT Inc. / 2-15-8 Ikeshiri, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo), a creative unit specializing in various forms of 'making' with a focus on product design, has signed an exclusive trading agreement with the Korean corporation Hyphen Inc. to expand global awareness and sales of its products in the South Korean market.

Examples of exclusive products (top left: BOOK on BOOK | top right: SAND IT / Card | bottom left: BOOK YACHT | bottom right: VEIL)

Background

The partnership between the two companies began in 2023. Through continuous transactions and communication, mutual trust in each other’s approaches to creative activities has deepened.

Based in Seoul, Hyphen Inc. is a creative group that handles brand strategy and design education, and operates the lifestyle store 'PLACE1-3' in the historic and cultural neighborhood of Samcheong-dong.

Exterior of PLACE1-3 Interior of PLACE1-3 (1F)

This business model closely resembles TENT’s own operations, which not only focus on product design and merchandising but also include the operation of its direct retail store 'TENT’s TEMPO' featuring products developed by TENT. The deep resonance in design philosophy and creative values led to the conclusion of this exclusive agreement.

TENT engages not only in direct retail through its own stores but also in wholesale distribution to other retailers upon request from client companies. Despite being a design studio, TENT has successfully expanded the sales of products it has developed. This exclusive agreement covers not only TENT’s in-house products but also select related products developed in collaboration with client companies—such as 'Uenosuke Shitanosuke' and 'VEIL'—with client approval.

Brand Pop-Up Event in Seoul

As the first major step in its full-scale Korean market entry, a TENT brand pop-up event was held from June 12 to July 10, 2026, at 'PLACE1-3,' operated by Hyphen Inc., utilizing all floors of the store.

The event featured not only products but also mockups, rough sketches, and panels detailing development stories, allowing visitors to experience the 'flow of thought' behind each product’s final form.

TENT’s first overseas exhibition and sales event was a great success, receiving strong reactions from Korean consumers, with some products selling out immediately after launch.

Future Outlook

TENT aims to further expand awareness of its creative activities in the Korean market through this initiative. Going forward, through new products developed with various companies, TENT will strengthen its ability to convey the passion of Japanese manufacturers for meticulous craftsmanship and the high technical capabilities of Japanese manufacturers to international markets.

Hyphen Inc. plans to expand TENT’s presence in Korea not only through sales at PLACE1-3 but also through strategic channel expansion and proactive marketing initiatives in the Korean market.

Beyond product sales, both companies are also exploring international workshops leveraging their design expertise and strengthening collaboration in product development.

Hyphen Inc. Comment

The foundation of this agreement lies in the deep resonance between both companies regarding design. Both view products as 'tools that enrich daily life.' What impressed us most about TENT is its relentless pursuit of improvement—never overlooking minor discomforts in daily life and constantly asking, 'How can this be better?' The fusion of this sensitivity to fleeting discomforts and TENT’s unique design sensibility results in products that feel both free and inevitable. Our shared belief in valuing both 'functionality' and 'story' in design has built trust, leading to this exclusive agreement.

The recent pop-up event in Seoul exceeded our expectations. Visitors were captivated by TENT’s design philosophy, intuitive functionality, and meticulous craftsmanship, leading to immediate stock shortages and generating significant word-of-mouth buzz within consumer communities.

This success proves that TENT’s approach to making resonates deeply with Korean consumers. We are confident in the future developments ahead.

About Hyphen Inc.

A Seoul-based creative group operating three interconnected specialized divisions: '1-1Company,' leading brand strategy and VI design; '1-5Creative,' an educational institution spreading next-generation design values; and 'PLACE1-3,' a curated lifestyle store.

https://hyphen-inc.kr/

About PLACE1-3

'PLACE1-3' operates under the vision of 'Bringing meaningful change to work and life through purposeful objects,' curating and offering products that combine exceptional functionality with refined aesthetics.

Location: Place 1-3, 23, Palpan-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

https://www.place1-3.com/

About TENT

'Making new landscapes through creation.' TENT is a creative unit involved in every aspect of product design—what to make, how to make it, and how to communicate it. We create turning-point products for companies ranging from major manufacturers to local workshops.

Flagship Products: STAN. by zojirushi, DRAW A LINE, Frypan Juu, etc.

Awards: iF DESIGN AWARD 'GOLD', Red Dot Design Award 'Best of the Best', etc.

https://tent1000.com/