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The Latest Innovations from the GARAGE Program

In the heart of Tokyo, the GARAGE Program continues to push the boundaries of innovation and community engagement as it welcomes its 98th cohort. Under the concept of being a "laboratory for enriching the world 100 years ahead," 100BANCH serves as a breeding ground for future leaders and their creative experiments. This year, four remarkable projects have been selected, each aiming to deliver fresh perspectives and solutions for some of the pressing challenges faced by society today.

Jisui: A Culinary Adventure through Novel Games

Jisui aims to revolutionize the way we think about cooking for ourselves. By merging the familiar format of visual novels with cutting-edge cloud technology, this project seeks to motivate those who struggle with the monotonous concept of 'cooking at home'. The creators recognize the common refrain, "I can't keep up with cooking," and target the three major barriers: recipe inspiration, ingredient recall, and the lack of motivation. Through engaging storytelling, Jisui offers a unique culinary support solution that transforms cooking into an enjoyable narrative experience. Additionally, by incorporating AI and user-generated content, recipes come alive as stories, elevating cooking to a means of self-expression, social connection, and community participation. Ultimately, Jisui aspires to transform home cooking into a habitual practice that enhances personal well-being and resolves societal issues, while also improving family finances and health. You can learn more about Jisui here.

MOSSTOPIA: A Green Revolution with Moss

Next up is MOSSTOPIA, a visionary initiative aimed at creating a utopia of moss in Tokyo's urban landscape. As cities grapple with dwindling green spaces, MOSSTOPIA proposes moss as a new green infrastructure—dubbed the "third greenery of the city". In a futuristic Tokyo, where traditional street trees have fallen and planters are absent, this project envisions growing moss on walls and ceilings, leveraging its remarkable ability to fix carbon dioxide. By using urban horizontally employed resources, MOSSTOPIA will facilitate the proliferation of moss and transform Tokyo into a thriving ecosystem, demonstrating an innovative approach to urban sustainability. Discover more about MOSSTOPIA here.

47WAZA KICKS: Sneakers that Carry Tradition

47WAZA KICKS is a project that aims to merge Japan's rich tradition of craftsmanship with modern street fashion by introducing sneakers that celebrate the essence of regional crafts. This initiative encourages artisanship, allowing individuals to create their unique pair of sneakers, inspired by traditional techniques such as indigo dyeing and sashiko stitching. By doing so, wearers can carry a piece of Japan's artistic heritage with them, even when they return home. This project not only opens new markets for dwindling crafts but also seeks to ensure the sustainability of local artisans and industries, creating a ripple effect of cultural preservation. Dive deeper into the 47WAZA KICKS project here.

DOG-PEE PROJECT: An Unconventional Resource Loop

Rounding out this exciting group is the DOG-PEE PROJECT, an imaginative venture that seeks to redefine how we perceive dog behavior in urban settings. Recognizing that dogs communicate through urine marking—an action often frowned upon as a nuisance—this project aims to design products that can absorb and utilize this often-overlooked resource. By transforming this natural behavior into a constructive element rather than a social taboo, the DOG-PEE PROJECT promotes sustainable urban environments and nourishes community bonds. With initiatives to collect urine for fertilizer use, it encourages collaboration across species and emphasizes the interdependence of all urban inhabitants. Learn more about this unique approach here.

As part of the GARAGE Program’s commitment to fostering new ideas, applications are now open for the historic 100th cohort. Those interested have until September 29th to submit their proposals.

For additional insights into the mission of 100BANCH, established to explore inventive concepts for the future with energetic youth who challenge conventional wisdom, visit the 100BANCH website.