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Tackling Real Business Challenges with Gen Z

In a bold initiative to bridge the generational gap in the textile industry, Takihyo Corporation hosted a unique business contest in collaboration with Strobolights, emphasizing a hands-on approach to learning for college students. Established in 1751, Takihyo has been a steadfast player in the textile sector for over 270 years, adapting to societal and industrial changes along the way. However, the current fashion landscape is grappling with demands for sustainability and diverse value systems, making it essential for traditional companies to not just rely on their own insights but to foster co-creation with the next generation.

Strobolights, the organizer of the CAREER ROOKIES GP2025 business contest, emphasizes personal development through collaboration rather than simply judging business ideas based on merit. The contest aims to cultivate real-world experiences that not only propel students' professional growth but also allow companies to gain fresh perspectives from Gen Z’s innovative ideas.

Overview & Achievements of the Competition

The recent business contest aimed to provide students with practical learning experiences rooted in real-world business challenges. The event took place on August 30 and September 20, 2025, at Takihyo's Tokyo branch, attracting participants from universities across the Kanto region. Ten teams consisting of 35 students took part, each tasked with creating a business plan centered on the theme suggested by Takihyo: "Creating New Business Plans Around ‘Support Activities x On-Demand Apparel Printing’.”

During the competition, students energetically collaborated in teams, engaging in intense discussions to refine their business strategies. Takihyo employees served as mentors, offering insights from their professional experiences to help students mold their ideas into tangible proposals. The final presentations showcased a wealth of innovative plans that leveraged digital technology and addressed social issues, creating an electric atmosphere in the competition venue.

Results were impressive, with seven teams earning the right to advance to the semifinal round scheduled for December 6, 2025. The final showdown at the Tokyo Stock Exchange Arrows will crown this year's top collegiate business team.

Through this initiative, Takihyo aims to not only harness the valuable ideas generated during the contest but also deepen the dialogue with students. This experience is crucial for their ongoing goal of becoming a "Sustainable Solutions Company" that balances societal problem-solving with business objectives.

Student Perspectives

Students expressed their excitement and invaluable takeaways from the competition. One participant stated, "The business contest provided a wonderful opportunity to gain a deep understanding of Takihyo. Despite its long history dating back to the Edo period, the company’s collaborations with various industries embody a fusion of tradition and innovation. I found it fascinating to consider how Takihyo would act on new business ideas, allowing me to experience the real challenges and opportunities of business firsthand."

Another student remarked, "Working on a B2B company’s challenges was a rare experience, as I usually don't encounter such perspectives in my student life. Despite the limited time, our team immersed ourselves in discussions, becoming adept at the industry we proposed solutions for. Learning about how a local company in Aichi operates with such diverse business segments and contributes to society was a significant takeaway for me. It broadened my horizons immensely during this intense period."

Related Information

• - Event: CAREER ROOKIES GP2025 Kanto Team Preliminary Contest
• - Event Website: CAREER ROOKIES GP2025

Company Information: Strobolights

• - Company Name: Strobolights Co., Ltd.
• - CEO: Keiichiro Haneda
• - Location: Machida City, Tokyo
• - Founded: 2020
• - Business Focus: Planning and management of career education programs, recruitment support for companies, and the operation of student communities.
• - Website: Strobolights