#Gen Z #Lab Network #Konan Women's University

Empowering Gen Z Creativity through Collaborative Business Projects

In an era vastly influenced by technology and social media, the need for tangible memories has become increasingly significant. Lab Network, a subsidiary of Kitamura Holdings—which operates the well-known camera retailer Kitamura—has embarked on an innovative collaboration with Konan Women’s University in Kobe, Japan, to develop unique commemorative items driven by the creative sensibilities of Generation Z.

Project Overview

Beginning in April 2025, this university-industry collaboration involves students from the Human Science Department's Yoshida Seminar at Konan Women's University. The initiative aims to explore the value and appeal of physical photographs in a world where digital storage is the norm. By leveraging long-standing insights from the photo business, Lab Network has facilitated an environment in which students can freely engage in product development and create meaningful business models that resonate with their generation.

The students have co-created two innovative products: the Shakasha Sticker and a Korean-style Self-Photo Booth for graduation ceremonies and workshops. These products illustrate how student ideas transformed into viable business concepts designed to enhance personal connections through shared memories.

Shakasha Sticker: A Stylish Nostalgia

One of the standout products of the project is the Shakasha Sticker, which takes inspiration from a popular sticker phenomenon among girls during the Heisei era in Japan. By gathering insights directly from peers through questionnaires, students analyzed current preferences and reimagined the classic stickers with a modern twist.

The development process involved multiple iterations, from conceptualizing designs to producing prototypes. The resulting product captured the essence of what students regarded as