Transforming Ideas into Intellectual Property
In a remarkable achievement,
PICNIC MOTEL, a lifestyle brand founded by Moemura and operated by Garten Co., has won the Excellence Award at the
TCIC IP INNOVATION AWARD (TIIA) 2025. Through its associated company, Picnic Studio LLC, the brand has showcased its ingenuity in utilizing intellectual property by centering on the philosophy of daily living.
The TIIA initiative was launched by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, aiming to support startups targeting economic growth driven by the content industry. This program emphasized the need for unique business ideas that leverage intellectual property across various sectors, including anime, gaming, XR, AI, and lifestyle brands.
PICNIC MOTEL has stood out by presenting a structured IP model revolving around the concept of 'lifestyle philosophy,' which was well-received by the judges leading to their prestigious recognition.
With the award in hand, PICNIC MOTEL is gearing up to launch a lodging establishment that serves as an experiential hub. The facility is designed to expand the brand's worldview through the development of licensing agreements and innovative products.
What is PICNIC MOTEL?
PICNIC MOTEL is built on the philosophy of transforming everyday life into experiences reminiscent of a film, essentially turning ordinary living into a picnic-like adventure. This brand not only provides unique lodging experiences but also aims to license residential spaces, and develop products and content that implement their original concept into practice. This holistic approach interlinks experience, scale, and profitability, advocating a range of initiatives centered on the philosophy of 'lifestyle' as a core business proposition.
IP Business Model
For more detailed insight, visit the
PICNIC MOTEL official site.
Upcoming Experience Hub at Lake Yamanakako
In a bid to bring the philosophy of PICNIC MOTEL to life, plans are underway for the opening of a dedicated accommodation hub named
“PICNIC MOTEL #slowmorning” by 2027 at Lake Yamanakako. This unique lodging experience aims to provide an escape from city life, roughly 90 minutes away, offering an environment that feels like a second home.
Rather than a large villa, this establishment is envisioned to resemble a cozy retreat that guests would yearn to revisit throughout the seasons. Collaborating with local businesses, the PICNIC MOTEL will focus on simple yet enriching experiences, such as enjoying quiet mornings by the lakeside or incorporating seasonal produce from gardens and forests into memorable dining experiences. The objective is to create a tranquil stay, focusing not on artificial grandeur but on appreciating the authenticity of daily life in a natural setting.
Product and Licensing Expansion
In addition to the lodging venture, PICNIC MOTEL is actively pursuing partnerships to enhance its product offering. Collaborating with the residential brand
Dolive, PICNIC MOTEL has initiated the
PICNIC MOTEL House Project, creating standardized housing projects. Additionally, they are developing room wear aligned with the concept of enjoying 'an undisturbed hour in the morning' in partnership with UNITO, an organic cotton brand managed by the textile trading company Yagi.
Overview of the TCIC IP INNOVATION AWARD (TIIA) 2025
- - Date of Final Selection: March 11, 2026 (Wednesday)
- - Format: In-person
- - Venue: Tokyo Innovation Base 2F STAGE, 3-8-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005
- - Details: Event Information
Quote from Moemura, CEO of Garten Co.
Reflecting on the journey, Moemura emphasizes the importance of strong business models in sustaining creative ideas, stating, “Having operated magazines and web publications for 12 years, I understand that even the most engaging worlds, supported by passionate fans, cannot thrive without robust business foundations. This award demonstrates our commitment to evolving 'thought' into IP-driven business endeavors. We are thrilled to receive recognition at the TIIA 2025 and are excited to continue our creative challenges with confidence.”
About Garten Co. & NEXTWEEKEND
Garten Co. operates under the philosophy of ‘Life is a Picnic,’ focusing on developing its own brands and maximizing the emotional value of client brands through communication design. Their services include conceptual planning, spatial design, and production of both online and offline communication content, systematically crafting narratives that bring brands closer to their consumers.
Company Overview:
- - Name: Garten Co.
- - Location: 3-42-11 Jinguumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo
- - CEO: Moemura
- - Business Focus: Development and branding of the lifestyle brand PICNIC MOTEL and communication design services
- - Website: Garten Co. official site
- - Associated Company: Picnic Studio LLC