#Japan #KDDI #ATOMica #Miyazaki

Collaborative Program for Miyazaki Students by ATOMica and KDDI

ATOMica, based in Miyazaki, and KDDI, headquartered in Tokyo, have partnered to launch an innovative collaboration program aimed at local students. This initiative began on May 28, 2025, allowing students to engage with real challenges faced by local enterprises, specifically a long-established pickles company, Kimura Pickles.

Background

ATOMica is a startup that operates social co-working spaces across Japan, focusing on creating collaborative environments that connect people with various local entities such as universities and municipalities. KDDI has been actively involved in fostering human resources for the future by collaborating with local governments and educational institutions. In this program, both companies harness their resources to enhance local value while providing students with practical learning opportunities to support regional revitalization and the cultivation of future talent.

About COYAGE

The COYAGE initiative aims to link individuals with companies nationwide, increasing working options for people and helping them find fulfilling work styles. The name COYAGE combines "Co-Work" (working together) and "Voyage" (journey) to reflect the idea of embarking on a journey to meet new opportunities and connections within one's community.

Program Overview

Participants and Objectives

Eight university students from Miyazaki are participating in the program, tasked with developing innovative products to showcase the appeal of pickles to younger generations. Engaging with Kimura Pickles, they focus on themes like health benefits associated with pickles: fatigue recovery and skin improvement. The students are utilizing a blend of online and in-person workshops to progress from understanding the company to product design and prototype creation.

Timeline

• - April: Students learn about Kimura Pickles' history and philosophy during a workshop.
• - May: They brainstorm product ideas leveraging insights from younger consumers.
• - June: Students create prototypes based on their innovative ideas.
• - July: Final product concepts are refined with a focus on retail presentation.
• - August: A成果発表会 (outcomes presentation) is hosted in Miyazaki.
• - September: A product sales event takes place at KDDI's headquarters and GINZA456.

Student Product Innovations

The students are creating products that bridge the gap between traditional pickles and contemporary lifestyles:

• - Takuan Granola: Incorporating pickles into a healthy breakfast option.
• - Takuan Tsukune: A fusion of pickles with the popular chicken meatball dish.
• - Takuan Garlic Sauce: A versatile condiment highlighting the flavor and benefits of pickles.

Outcomes Presentation

The outcomes presentation is scheduled for August 27, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM at ATOMica's Miyazaki office. The event will include:

• - An overview and explanation by the students.
• - Presentations on their products and the design process.
• - A Q&A session to engage with attendees including local stakeholders and company representatives.

Sales Event at KDDI Headquarters and GINZA456

Additionally, the students' products will be featured alongside existing offerings from Kimura Pickles and other recommended local products:

• - KDDI Employee Sale: From September 3 to 5 at the K-Café in KDDI's headquarters.
• - General Public Sale: Also from September 3 to 5 at GINZA456, welcoming anyone to partake in the event.

Company Roles

KDDI

• - Program design and execution.
• - Retail support for product sales.

ATOMica

• - Program management.
• - Venue provision.
• - Assignment of local enterprises for collaboration.

About ATOMica

Founded in 2019, ATOMica is a startup that has established more than 50 co-working spaces across Japan. They focus on developing communities that foster collaboration, innovation, and social engagement. Their mission is to create sustainable co-working environments that extend beyond conventional workspace limitations to facilitate continuous interactions and partnerships.

For more information, visit ATOMica's website for general inquiries and updates on community management initiatives.