Innovative Business Creation Methods Aimed at Maximizing Profits During COVID-19 by ANA

Introduction

In today's rapidly changing environment, businesses must adapt and innovate to survive. This has never been more crucial than during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. On May 13, 2026, a seminar hosted by the Japan Planning Institute (JPI) will delve into the innovative business creation methods that All Nippon Airways (ANA) adopted to maximize profits even when faced with significant challenges. The session will feature Toshiaki Nonaka, Chief Producer of ANA's Human Resources Transformation University, as he reveals the remarkable strategies that stemmed from necessity during uncertain times.

Background of the Seminar

The seminar titled, “Creating New Business Models During the Pandemic: ANA's Method for Making Every Yen Count,” is set to illuminate the proactive measures taken by ANA amidst the pandemic’s economic strains. Attendees will have the chance to engage with an expert who has directly interacted with the development of these new business initiatives.

Emergence of the 'Gattsuri Hiroba'

At the core of ANA’s response to the pandemic was the establishment of an internal proposal system named “Gattsuri Hiroba.” This initiative was launched to encourage employees to come up with new business ideas, even as traditional operations faced severe limitations. Faced with the directive to generate revenue despite flight restrictions and a challenging financial landscape, ANA leveraged its internal creativity.

Starting with no budget, the program surprisingly generated enthusiasm among employees, yielding over 3,500 proposals from 40,000 staff members. Nonaka’s commitment to transforming this ocean of ideas into actionable projects has led to nearly ten new initiatives being successfully implemented every year.

Bridging the Gap between Employees and Innovation

The uniqueness of the Gattsuri Hiroba program lies in its accessibility. Most of the employees who submitted proposals were frontline staff, unfamiliar with the business planning process. Nevertheless, through mentorship and support, they managed to actualize these initiatives while juggling their regular duties. The administrative team closely collaborated with these innovators, ensuring swift implementation of these ideas within a structured framework.

Implementing New Initiatives

The seminar will address how the Gattsuri Hiroba has adapted and matured since its inception, tracking the diverse themes and projects that have emerged over the past years.

1. Exploring the Foundation and Impact of Gattsuri Hiroba
- Understanding the background and motivations that led to its creation.
- Reviewing the impact and results achieved so far.

2. Showcasing Successful Business Cases
- Highlighting the successful projects originating from employee suggestions.
- Discussing the evolving themes and diversity of proposals.

3. Transforming Human Resource Development
- Delving into the organizational shift from CX Promotion Office to Human Resources Department to enhance staff training.
- Redefining business ventures as key components of employee development, shaping a promising future.

4. Open Q&A Session
5. Networking Opportunities
The seminar will provide a rare opportunity for participants to engage directly with the lecturer and fellow attendees from various sectors, fostering discussions that could lead to fruitful collaborations.

Training Formats Available

Participants can choose from different formats, including:

- On-site attendance (note: does not include archive access)
- Live stream attendance (note: does not include archive access)
- Archive access only

For those attending on-site or via live stream, there is an option to add on archive access at a special rate of 18,500 yen (tax included). The standard fee for participation is 37,800 yen, with a reduced price of 32,800 yen available for additional attendees from the same organization.

Final Thoughts

The JPI seminar not only provides insights into ANA’s strategies but also serves as a platform for professional networking, allowing attendees to gain valuable information and forge new partnerships. The opportunity for personal interaction with experts is invaluable in a time of such incredible change. Join us in uncovering how innovation can flourish even in the most challenging circumstances.

For more details or registration, visit JPI Seminar.