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A Night of Transformation: The Change/me 2025 Second Half Contest

On December 24, 2025, Laboratous Co., Ltd. hosted the monumental event, the Change/me 2025 Second Half Contest, in Harajuku, Tokyo. This inner care brand aims to uplift the message that “people can always change, and I can change too.” The event provided a platform for participants to share their journeys of transformation, developed over four months of dedicated practice.

The atmosphere was filled with warmth and excitement as seven contestants took to the stage to present their personal “transformation stories” through walking and speeches, earning heartfelt applause from the audience.

Event Overview

• - Name: Change/me 2025 Second Half Contest
• - Date: December 24, 2025 (Wednesday), from 14:00 to 17:30 (Doors open at 13:30)
• - Venue: WITH HARAJUKU, Shibuya, Tokyo
• - Organizer: Change/me (Laboratous Co., Ltd.)
• - Content: Opening ceremony, presentations by seven contestants, audience voting, live hair and makeup performance, lottery draw, and award presentations.
• - Website: Change/me Contest

The Importance of Change in Today’s Society

In recent years, more individuals have started focusing on self-acceptance and mental wellness. However, in a world overflowing with information and rapid changes, many still struggle with feelings of inadequacy and find it difficult to take that first step towards change. Laboratous aims to embed the belief that “people can change at any time” within daily life.

The Change/me Contest encourages a culture of personal growth, allowing participants to celebrate their journey of change and to inspire others to take positive steps forward.

Celebrating Courage Instead of Comparison

Unlike traditional competitions that often encourage comparison, the Change/me Contest is designed to celebrate courage. Contestants were not celebrities or models but ordinary individuals sharing the same everyday struggles. They underwent four months of self-reflection addressing their lifestyles, mental health, and emotional expression and showcased the outcomes in front of an engaging audience.

Special Guest: Ai Arimura’s Encouraging Words

Actress Ai Arimura, who served as the special judge, provided words of encouragement to the participants, stating:

“This moment is unique in life; let’s enjoy this experience, even amidst nervousness.”

She expressed her hope to witness participants enjoying their day and shining bright on stage.

Audience Participation: A Unique Voting System

In a twist, the audience members also acted as judges. They evaluated not only the beauty of the contestants but also their transformation journeys. Three awards awaited them:

• - Change Award: For the participant who exhibited the most significant transformation.
• - Beauty Award: For the most aesthetically pleasing contestant.
• - Performance Award: For the most moving presentation.

Using a QR code system, attendees voted, and scores were aggregated from various sources, including judge’s votes and audience engagement metrics.

Celebrating the Winners

Change Award: Maki Kishino

Maki expressed her joy upon receiving the Change Award. “I’ve never enjoyed competing against others. I joined the contest wanting to speak authentically, and this recognition means the world to me.”

Beauty Award: Kumiko Tanabe

Kumiko shed light on her past struggles. “I have long lived with a sense of resignation regarding myself. I’m glad to have shared my journey today. I hope it inspires anyone feeling lost.”

Performance Award: Kumasaki Sasaki

Kumasaki remarked as she approached her 50th birthday, “Receiving this award today revitalizes my journey ahead. Thank you.”

Reflecting on the Transformative Experience

Ai Arimura shared her thoughts following the performances, noting the collective warmth and determination displayed by the participants. She reflected on her own experiences with feelings of stagnation and urged everyone to envision their desired changes and take incremental steps towards their goals:

“During challenging times, smiling and rediscovering what you love can create pathways to positivity.”

Audience Reactions

Attendees expressed profound emotions, echoing sentiments of resilience and growth among the contestants. Reviews highlighted the power of the desire to change, emphasizing that transformation is achievable at any stage of life.

Additional Festivities

Beyond the contest itself, a vibrant atmosphere prevailed, featuring a live hair and makeup showcase by the Change/me makeup team and a Christmas lottery for the audience.

In the adjacent area, LIFORK hosted booths related to inner care, beauty, and lifestyle, allowing attendees to embrace their transformation journeys more fully.

Looking Forward

Mark your calendars as the next Change/me Contest is set to occur on June 27, 2026. This event will build on the empowering spirit fostered at the 2025 contest while continuing to inspire individuals to embrace their unique paths.

About Change/me

Change/me is committed to supporting individuals in their quest for transformation through the lens of health and beauty. Embracing the uniqueness of everyone, it aims to cultivate environments where people can thrive. Launching fully in spring 2024, the initiative promises to provide various supportive events and educational opportunities to foster healthy habits, solidifying their message that anyone can change.