#Japan #Nagoya #Hibiya Kadan #Meijo University #student marketing

Unique Floral Products by Meijo University Students

In an inspiring collaboration between Meijo University and Hibiya Kadan, a renowned floral company, three exclusive floral products will hit the shelves at the Hibiya Kadan KITTE Nagoya store from June 25 to July 5, 2026. This initiative marks the fourth year of a fruitful partnership that combines academic insight with practical marketing in a bid to explore new customer needs and demand through fresh ideas from the younger generation.

The Collaboration

Professor Takashi Yamaoka, who specializes in marketing and consumer behavior, leads this initiative with his students majoring in business administration. The students have engaged in extensive research and analysis to identify current trends, define target demographics, and create new floral product concepts. Divided into teams, the students have developed their product lines by considering the lifestyle preferences of their peers, resulting in beautifully designed items that seamlessly fit into everyday life.

Hibiya Kadan will produce these products based on the students' creative proposals, further enhanced by point-of-purchase displays crafted by the students themselves. This collaborative effort provides an opportunity for students and customers alike to engage with flowers from a fresh perspective, enriching their daily lives with elegance and beauty.

Objectives of the Project

The main goal of this collaboration is to uncover untapped customer segments and needs. Hibiya Kadan aims to leverage the innovative ideas of young minds, continuing the development of new products with Meijo University's Yamaoka Seminar, a relationship that began three years ago.

Research and Development Process

The project kicked off in April, allowing students to apply the fundamentals of marketing research they studied in class. Through surveys and field studies, they gathered insights which informed the iterative product development process. The students proposed well-thought-out product concepts to Hibiya Kadan, resulting in the creation of distinct floral offerings that cater to today’s diverse customer base.

Product Lineup

1. BLOSSOM BAG
- Price: ¥2,750 (tax included)
This unique floral item resembles a handbag, making floral decor easy and stylish. It comes with a two-color organza cover and is designed to fit beautifully into any room. The bag is reusable, perfect for gifts or personal use.

2. Mini Bloom Bouquet
- Price: ¥2,420 (tax included)
Combining the concepts of “Bloom” and “Room,” this small bouquet adds a vibrant touch to living spaces. It can be hung or displayed upright and serves as a great gift while providing everyday beauty and relaxation.

3. Chouchou Bouquet
- Price: ¥3,850 (tax included)
This innovative bouquet incorporates a chouchou (hair tie) to let customers enjoy flowers daily. Once the flowers fade, the chouchou remains usable, promoting long-lasting value and making it a thoughtful gift for busy women.

Insights from Faculty

Professor Yamaoka emphasizes that the true value of this initiative lies in the strategic approach taken by the students, mirroring real-world corporate marketing practices. Engaging in research, targeting, and positioning analyses enables these students to gain practical experience that transcends beyond the classroom. This hands-on project not only enhances their marketing skills but also contributes significantly to Hibiya Kadan's efforts in overcoming business challenges through innovative approaches.

Perspectives from Hibiya Kadan

A representative from Hibiya Kadan shared their pride in this ongoing collaboration with the Meijo University Yamaoka Seminar. They highlighted how each consecutive year showcases the students' passion and creativity, which has evolved and improved upon prior designs. The fusion of youthful insights with Hibiya Kadan's expertise results in appealing products that bring the charm of flowers into everyday life.

About Meijo University

For more information about Meijo University, visit here.

About Hibiya Kadan

Founded in 1872, Hibiya Kadan has been a leader in floral design and services across Japan, with nearly 190 locations. They offer a range of products from wedding flowers to individual and corporate floral gifts, ensuring that their services continue to enrich people's lives through flowers. For further details, please visit their official site or their online shop.