#Japan #Tokyo #Kokoro Hitoiki #Ajinomoto AGF #Personalized Drinks

A New Approach to Remote Work Breaks: Introducing 'Kokoro Hitoiki'

In an age where remote work is increasingly becoming the norm, the challenge of balancing productivity and rest is a real concern for many. Over 50% of individuals report struggles with managing breaks while working from home. Recognizing this challenge, Ajinomoto AGF has developed a unique subscription service called 'Kokoro Hitoiki', set to launch on April 25, 2025. This service aims to boost both mental and physical well-being through personalized drink sets designed to support your break time.

The Need for Personalized Break Solutions

With diverse working styles such as remote, office, and hybrid setups, the importance of creating routines that fit individual needs has never been greater. Research conducted by Ajinomoto AGF revealed that many people find themselves forgetting breaks or extending them unintentionally, leading to feelings of stress and fatigue. More than half of employees surveyed feel tired even after taking breaks, struggle to switch back to work mode, and find it hard to concentrate.

What is 'Kokoro Hitoiki'?

'Kokoro Hitoiki', which translates to 'Heart's Break', provides users with a personalized drink experience tailored to their emotional state during work. The service categorizes over 30 different drinks into four distinct emotional states:

• - UEMUKI: For when you need to focus and stay alert
• - SUKKIRI: For refreshing clarity
• - FUU: For moments when you want to relax
• - GOHOUBI: For when you need an extra push to finish your tasks

By answering a workplace survey, users can receive drinks customized to their working style, which are then delivered directly to them. Additionally, after sampling the drinks, customers can document their feelings and experiences, allowing the service to better tailor the selections to individual preferences over time.

How to Enjoy 'Kokoro Hitoiki'

1. Sign Up via the Workplace Survey:
Complete a survey that categorizes over 30 drinks according to your desired emotional state, customizing your subscription to fit your work needs. Note that a patent is pending for this business model.
2. Savor Drinks Aligned with Your Desired Feelings:
By linking with LINE, users receive notifications reminding them to take breaks at optimal times. From the seven different types of drinks sent, you can select based on your current emotional state to enhance your break experience.
3. Track Your Emotional Rhythm:
Regular reports will provide visuals of your emotional shifts and their relationship with break times. As you log more experiences, the feedback incorporates into personalizing your drink sets to reflect your preferences, allowing for a thoughtful look back at how you felt while working.

Product Details

• - Service Name: Kokoro Hitoiki
• - Contents: 21 drinks per set (7 varieties, 3 of each)
• - Price: 2,160 yen (tax included, shipping extra)
• - Availability: Nationwide in AGFMALL
• - Contact: For inquiries, please use the Kokoro Hitoiki contact form.

Insights from the Development Team

Ajinomoto AGF strives to contribute to the well-being of society by focusing on mental health. Following the implementation of the Telework Reform Law in 2019, which prompted the rise in remote work, we have recognized that hybrid work environments can create new stresses. In response, we aim to innovate our service offerings to support the emotional health of remote workers by focusing on the valuable moments of breaks. Our aspiration is to help individuals take a breath and enjoy their moments of rest, even while working.

Users' Feedback

Users have shared positive experiences regarding 'Kokoro Hitoiki', particularly highlighting the usefulness of receiving break notifications via LINE. The ability to choose from a diverse range of drinks allows for a more individualized approach to break times. One user noted how reflecting on their emotional state while enjoying a drink helped them focus better and establish a more structured routine around breaks.

Ajinomoto AGF hopes to redefine break times for remote workers across the globe through 'Kokoro Hitoiki', assuring that each moment of rest is not only refreshing but also contributes to overall wellness.