Generation Z Innovates the Value of Photography Through Collaboration

Innovations in Graduation Memorabilia by Generation Z

In a groundbreaking initiative, Lab Network, based in Tokyo, has partnered with Konan Women's University’s Faculty of Human Science to launch a unique business project aiming to redefine graduation memorabilia. Starting from April 2025, this collaboration focuses on students from Yoshida Seminar, who will work together to create new types of graduation gifts that leverage the value and allure of physical photographs.

With the ubiquity of digital storage on smartphones, this project seeks to explore the significance of tangible photos in today’s society. Lab Network, leveraging years of expertise in the photography business, aims to empower Gen Z students to innovate outside traditional frameworks in their product development efforts. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering creativity and entrepreneurship among young people, particularly in the realm of photography.

Unique Ideas from Current Students

As part of this project, Lab Network will provide resources and marketing support, enabling students to develop products that infuse new value into photographs. The curriculum will center around the timely and relevant theme of graduation ceremonies, focusing on what Gen Z students truly desire from their graduation keepsakes.

The collaboration will kick off with four joint sessions scheduled for the 2025 academic year, held in both the first and second semesters. During the initial lessons, employees from Lab Network will conduct lectures on the photography industry and business, sharing insights that can inspire student creations. Following this, students will participate in a hands-on experience at Kitamura Camera's Kobe Higashinada Selva store, where they will develop photographs and participate in brainstorming sessions to prepare for presentations.

In the first set of presentations, students have generated innovative ideas reflecting current trends like “Heisei Girls” and “Self-Photos,” showcasing the creativity of contemporary college students. This fresh perspective brings relevance to the graduation memorabilia discussion and showcases the potential of students to influence cultural trends through their designs.

For the second semester, Lab Network plans to support the creation of prototypes based on the students’ business ideas, further refining the products and establishing a concrete business model. This cycle of creation, feedback, and iteration embodies a collaborative learning process that prepares students for future careers in the industry.