#Japan #Tokyo #ichikara Lab #Canon MJ #Kosen Challenge

Canon MJ's Ichikara Lab and the Kosen Challenge

Canon Marketing Japan (Canon MJ) is making strides in innovation through its internal venture, Ichikara Lab. This initiative is aimed at young audiences and focuses on new product planning and development. Recently, Ichikara Lab participated as a theme owner in the sixth installment of the Kosen Intercollegiate Challenge, hosted by SMBC Nikko Securities. This innovation contest provides a platform for students at technical colleges (Kosen) to tackle real-world business challenges.

The final selection event is scheduled for July 12, 2025, where Kosen students will present innovative ideas aimed at solving actual problems faced by companies. Ichikara Lab introduced a challenge focusing on merging digital and analog experiences to redefine traditional printing, encouraging students to think creatively and push boundaries.

Challenge Overview

The Kosen Challenge kicked off on April 19, 2025, attracting a record-breaking 35 students from various technical colleges. They were divided into 11 teams and mentored by successful entrepreneurs who are also Kosen alumni. To further assist these teams, Ichikara Lab provided the Canon SELPHY CP1500 mini photo printer and a Software Development Kit (SDK) for those who desired to deepen their practical engagement with the project.

During the final presentation on July 12, students showcased their prototypes, demonstrating not only outstanding creativity but also practical skills characteristic of Kosen graduates. The event highlighted high-level proposals that merged innovative thinking with actionable solutions.

Award Winners and Proposals

The coveted Grand Prize was awarded to a team that created a photo card game utilizing images printed on the SELPHY CP1500. This original concept involved designing cards that could withstand water and dirt, providing a fun, interactive way to share memories. The team, which included students from Toyota, Ishikawa, and Okinawa Kosen, received recognition for their thought-out service proposal and execution.

Another team, consisting of students from Akita, Ibaraki, and Ariake Kosen, earned the Excellence Award for proposing a service that would allow users to print and decorate photos taken during karaoke sessions. Their idea resonated with the Z-generation’s desire for tangible memorabilia from social media-worthy moments.

Additionally, a Special Award was given to a team from Sendai, Miyakonojo, and Okinawa Kosen for proposing a unique coloring game that combines photography with line art extraction. This innovative approach promotes family bonding through art, serving as a medium for conversation and emotional growth.

Looking Ahead

Through Ichikara Lab's involvement in the Kosen Challenge, Canon MJ aims to accelerate its vision of offering fresh printing experiences unbound by conventional methods. The challenge serves as a collaborative platform where advanced Kosen students can merge their technological proficiency with practical applications, empowering them to generate exciting ideas for the future.

Canon MJ representatives remarked on the program's success over the three-month course, as students engaged earnestly with the challenge. They praised the quality of the ideas presented, noting their enthusiasm for advancing innovations based on real data and solid experience from their entrepreneurial mentors.

In a time where digital convenience is transforming the landscape of printing, Ichikara Lab seeks to redefine this space. By engaging with young innovators and nurturing new talent, Canon MJ is not only enriching its product offerings but also pioneering a new narrative in printing that resonates with the experiences of a digital native generation.

Conclusion

Ichikara Lab continues to pave the way for creative collaborations that inspire young minds and foster innovation. With continuous efforts to provide experiences that break free from traditional norms, the future of printing is looking brighter than ever.

Visit Canon's Mini Photo Printer Site

For more about the Kosen Challenge, you can check the official page.