Bringing Gen Z Sensibilities to Business! New Souvenirs Realized Through the 'Konan Women's University x Labo Network' Industry-Academia Collaboration Project

Labo Network Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Tokyo; President: Yusuke Tanaka), part of the Kitamura Holdings Group which operates Camera no Kitamura, has completed an industry-academia collaboration project with the Yoshida Seminar of the Department of Living Environment, Faculty of Human Sciences at Konan Women's University (Higashinada-ku, Kobe), which began in April 2025 to conceive 'new souvenirs' using photography. In this project, the team co-developed business models for 'Shaka-Shaka Stickers' and 'Korean-style self-photo booths for graduation ceremonies' as new souvenirs leveraging the perspectives of current university students, successfully bringing these concepts to life at graduation ceremonies and workshops. About the Konan Women's University x Labo Network Industry-Academia Collaboration Project This project aims to re-examine the charm and value of 'tangible' photographs in an era where saving photos on smartphones has become the norm. Labo Network supported the students in conceiving better products and business models, utilizing the expertise gained from years in the photo business to help Gen Z students engage in product development with fresh, unconventional ideas. Leveraging our business resources, sales network, and an integrated manufacturing-sales system in collaboration with our group company, Labo Production Co., Ltd., we worked alongside students from the Yoshida Seminar to develop products and realize business models that bring new value to photography. ■ Student Feedback 'It was a very meaningful experience to work together as a team to create something over the course of a year. The exchange of ideas was particularly stimulating and served as a catalyst for broadening my own thinking.' 'The feedback on our slide presentations and the precise guidance on how to proceed gave us a clear direction, which boosted our motivation!' 'When we hit a wall, they helped us organize our thoughts from the beginning. Despite many stumbles, I felt a great sense of accomplishment in the end.'

Shaka-Shaka Stickers Updating the stickers that were a huge hit among 'Heisei girls' with a modern sensibility. The students conducted their own surveys to thoroughly analyze needs. To achieve their ideal vision of 'cute,' they went through trial and error, handling everything from mold design to prototyping from scratch. The product became so popular during workshops that all tickets were sold out.