#Japan #Ltd. #Nakano #Marui Group #Blackbird Co. #Marui Lab

Launching Marui Lab: A New Era of Research Media

Introduction to Marui Lab

On July 7th, 2026, Marui Group Inc., headquartered in Nakano, Tokyo and led by president Hiroshi Aoi, unveiled a new research media called 'Marui Lab.' This initiative is a collaboration with Blackbird Co., Ltd., under the leadership of former WIRED Japan editor-in-chief, Megumi Wakabayashi. The main objective of Marui Lab is to examine the intricacies of the economy and consumption surrounding our daily lives, focusing on the core themes of 'relationships' and 'exchanges.'

Concept Behind Marui Lab

Marui Lab positions itself as a research media dedicated to exploring the ecology of relationships. It aims to investigate alternative economic systems, beginning with Marui Group's vision of an economy driven by 'liking.' Instead of exclusively following the mainstream business environment, it seeks to highlight the myriad social, material, and locational relationships that influence economic exchanges.

The media will not only serve as a platform for sharing collected experiences but also for engaging with diverse audiences to contemplate a new societal structure. Readers can look forward to a rich tapestry of insights and analyses that challenge conventional economic narratives.

Background and Goals of Marui Lab

Founded in 1931, Marui Group began with the vision of its founder, Tadaji Aoi, who introduced installment sales for furniture in Nakano, Tokyo, making it accessible to younger generations. Over the decades, the company evolved, launching Japan's first credit card in 1960 and adapting its business model in response to the bursting of the bubble economy. Throughout its history, Marui has emphasized the importance of supporting customers' lives through material goods rather than merely facilitating financial transactions.

In contemporary society, a new economic paradigm emerging, often dubbed the 'Creator Economy' or 'Passion Economy,' prioritizes individual passions over conventional performance metrics. This shift illustrates the concept of a different economic rationality fueled by personal interests. Marui Group's vision of an economy driven by 'liking' arises at the intersection of these societal changes and the company's own rich history.

Looking ahead to its 100th anniversary in 2031, Marui Group aims to rethink the future of society and economy. This involves sharing 'inquiries' with various stakeholders to expand the communal understanding of 'liking' as a driving force. The establishment of Marui Lab is a key step in this long-term journey.

Overview of Marui Lab

• - Media Name: Marui Lab
• - Operated by: Marui Group Inc., Blackbird Co., Ltd.
• - Distribution Platforms: Substack, Spotify, Apple Podcast, YouTube, X

Content Distribution

1. Newsletters: A weekly feature published every Thursday at 6 PM that prompts readers to reflect on the ecology of relationships.
- Substack URL: https://substack.com/@maruilab

2. Podcast Series: A video podcast that features guest discussions, hosted by Marui Group's president, Hiroshi Aoi, focusing on the practices that support this new economy.
- More details to follow on official channels.

3. Microcontent on X: Bi-weekly updates sharing the interests and activities of Marui Lab.
- X URL: https://x.com/marui_lab

Ongoing Series in Marui Lab

• - A New Hobby Revolution: Analysis of various hobbies through the lens of entertainment sociology by Jun Akiyama.
• - Folklore of Money: Exploring the deep-rooted cultural relationships between people and money with folklorist Nobuharu Tsukahara.
• - The World Created by Likes: A History of Fandom: Blackbird Co.'s content director, Megumi Wakabayashi, dissects the culture of fandom.
• - Research Reports: Comprehensive studies exploring the themes of 'relationship ecology' through various projects and interviews.

Collaborating with Blackbird Co., Ltd.

Blackbird Co., Ltd. is a content label that challenges conventional norms by reimagining various aspects of modern life through diverse media. They aim to delve deep into subjects, publishing an array of content from books to podcasts, providing a multifaceted perspective on today's societal constructs.

As Marui Group embarks on this promising venture alongside Blackbird Co., the industry watches with increasing anticipation for the insights and narratives that will emerge from 'Marui Lab.' Stay tuned as they unravel the complexities of our interconnected lives in the evolving economic landscape.