The latest edition of our morning trend-sharing session, “Poached Egg,” was packed with innovative ideas, including next-generation social networking apps and strategies to increase voter turnout. Here is a report on the highlights!
Hello, this is Sunny-chan from the Public Relations department!
We recently held our monthly “Poached Egg” session—a gathering designed to help members become well-informed trendsetters—and I am excited to share the details with you!
“Poached Egg” is a casual knowledge-sharing forum where members bring the latest news and trends they are curious about. Our president also participates every time. By reading this, you can become a “know-it-all” right along with us!
A Senior Executive Officer at Fast Retailing launched a free “Torching” service! What exactly is “Torching”?
https://www.torchrelay.net/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0Pycvae46wIVRZ_CCh1b2wP9EAAYASAAEgLJ5fD_BwE
Image source: From “Torch Relay”
Takuya Jimbo, a Senior Executive Officer at Fast Retailing, established “Torch Relay Inc.” with the goal of “lighting a fire in people’s hearts.” As the name suggests, the company provides “Torching” rather than teaching or coaching.
So, what exactly is Torching?
According to Mr. Jimbo, Torching is a service for those who have not yet found a goal, or who have a goal but find the “fire in their heart smoldering due to bad weather.” It is a job that involves reaching out and giving them a push forward. The company describes it as a service to “help people find the mountain that is their goal, and light the torch to climb it.”
Remarkably, this service is provided free of charge! If you feel something smoldering in your heart, why not ask Takuya Jimbo to help ignite your spark?
The next-generation SNS “Clubhouse” is making waves following Twitter and Instagram
https://jp.techcrunch.com/2020/05/17/clubhouse/
Image source: From “TechCrunch”
Clubhouse is often described as an audio version of Twitter. Users can enter various “rooms” to listen to conversations or participate by raising their hand. Once inside a room, you can also invite friends, which makes it somewhat similar to Twitter.
The secret to Clubhouse’s popularity lies in its ease of use, the sense of community unique to audio-based SNS, the low expectations regarding content (you can participate without worrying about your appearance), and a system where conversations may never be heard again if you aren’t there at that moment. Recently, many celebrities from the tech industry and other fields have been gathering there, and the CEO himself sometimes joins chats. You might find yourself checking the app frequently to ensure you don’t miss such opportunities!
Currently, an increasing number of people in the U.S. are living their lives with wireless earphones like AirPods constantly in. This SNS may be perfectly suited for such a next-generation lifestyle.
【EU】Increasing voter turnout by setting up polling stations people “want to visit”!
https://ideasforgood.jp/2020/07/15/say-yes-to-europe/
Image source: From “IDEAS FOR GOOD”
While low voter turnout is a significant issue in Japan, many other countries around the world face similar challenges. In response, the EU has reportedly succeeded in increasing turnout through a groundbreaking initiative!
The innovative idea was to set up polling stations in “special locations” that are usually inaccessible to the general public. These included the stage of a concert hall where normally only conductors stand, the studio of a quiz show like “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”, and the Lufthansa Flight Training Center. The opportunity to visit a coveted location definitely increases the incentive for people to head to the polls!
It would be fascinating to see similar initiatives in Japan. For example, holding elections on the “Hanamichi” (runway) of a Kabuki stage or inside a luxury cruise ship docked at port would be very interesting.
The popular picture book “Mottainai Baasan” is attracting global attention!
Image source: From “Mottainai Baasan”
Since the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were established in 2016, countries worldwide have begun serious efforts toward realizing a sustainable society. Amidst this, the popular picture book series “Mottainai Baasan” (Grandma Mottainai), which has sold over one million copies and conveys the importance of the Japanese spirit of “Mottainai,” is gaining significant attention globally.
What kind of content does this popular series offer?
For example, “Mottainai Baasan Goes to the River” focuses on the themes of the water cycle and the connection of life. The author, Mariko Shinju, reportedly created the book after visiting the Ganges River, where pollution is progressing due to illegal dumping, and observing it from upstream to downstream. Other titles cover various themes, such as “Mottainai Baasan’s Itadakimasu” and “Mottainai Baasan Goes to the Forest.”
The books have already been translated into various languages, including English, French, Chinese, and Hindi, and an animated version is currently in production in multiple languages. Interestingly, the Japanese word “Mottainai” is kept as-is in all translated versions.
“Mottainai” is a wonderful word that expresses the spirit of cherishing things. We hope to see this concept spread throughout the world.
A new TV commercial from home appliance manufacturer Samsung, winner of a “ONE SHOW 2020” award (one of the world’s top three advertising awards), is being praised for its innovative approach
https://tabi-labo.com/292958/wt-samsung-cm
Image source: From “Samsung US / YouTube”
In the commercial, actor Ryan Reynolds introduces his Netflix film “6 Underground” by showing it on a Samsung TV. The footage then cuts to a commercial for the gin brand “AVIATION.”
It turns out that Ryan Reynolds acquired this gin brand and serves as its creative director. This novel method of combining advertisements for three different companies into a single commercial has led to suggestions that we may see more of this approach in the future.
How was it?
With new innovations constantly emerging around the world, our members will continue to share the topics that catch their interest with you on a regular basis!
Please look forward to the next Poached Egg blog post!
