#Japan #Tokyo #SIGNING #iBASHO #YOMIKO

YOMIKO Releases 'iBASHO REPORT Vol.2': A Study on Places We Long to Stay

YOMIKO, a Tokyo-based company, has unveiled the second installment of its research report titled "iBASHO REPORT Vol.2: An Exploration of 'Comma Places' We Naturally Want to Stay In." Collaborating with SIGNING and the Institute of Environmental Planning, YOMIKO dives into how the pandemic has transformed our perceptions and usage of communal spaces.

Overview of the Project

The initiative is spearheaded by YOMIKO, known for its research on urban living, alongside SIGNING, which focuses on business challenges and solutions, and the Institute of Environmental Planning, concerned with office and residential development. Together, they analyze how our understanding of places has shifted, particularly regarding how we create and utilize areas of belonging.

As life slowly transitions back to a semblance of normal, it's clear that routines have changed. Rather than reverting to pre-pandemic habits, daily activities have evolved, emphasizing 'purposeful actions' and 'efficient engagements,' leaving little room for the value of unstructured time. This report defines 'comma places' as spaces that exist between objectives, akin to pauses in writing, enhancing our well-being by enriching casual moments.

Insights from the Research

The report examines a group termed as 'place experts,' individuals who maintain multiple havens that support their well-being. Through this study, we learn how these individuals spend their time and what roles these spaces play in their lives.

Findings indicate a notable trend:

• - A striking 75.8% of participants express difficulty in identifying spaces that afford unstructured time, despite a widespread desire for such environments.
• - The ‘place experts’ do not solely use comma places for relaxation or to alleviate anxiety; rather, they leverage these spaces to facilitate transformations of self.

Research Details

The research surveyed 2,700 individuals aged 20 to 69 throughout Japan. Methodology included internet-based surveys conducted in October 2024. Insights gleaned from this study have the potential to revolutionize how both individuals and businesses design spaces conducive to modern needs.

The Need for Comma Places

As we navigate the complexities of a post-pandemic world, it is essential to recognize the importance of unstructured time and spaces that enhance well-being. The report suggests that finding ways to integrate such comma places into our lives can alleviate feelings of isolation, encourage personal growth, and foster a sense of community.

YOMIKO emphasizes the necessity of considering moments of stillness and the spaces that facilitate these experiences as integral to cultivating well-being in our busy lives. By focusing on the potential challenges and opportunities offered by comma places, the study aspires to inspire individuals, corporations, and society at large to rethink how we interact with our environments and each other.

Future Directions for YOMIKO

YOMIKO is committed to advancing the concept of belonging and placing emphasis on how our environments influence our identity. The iBASHO project aims to redefine our relationships with places post-pandemic, fostering new approaches to office design and innovative business opportunities.

As future reports are published and insights shared, YOMIKO hopes to stimulate discussions around creating spaces that nurture our well-being, bridging the gap between productivity and relaxation. By doing so, they aim to partner with clients in achieving sustainable growth through community-driven solutions.

For a comprehensive look at the findings and insights from the report, you can access it here.