From Coins to Chimes: Japan’s Cultural Shift to Cashless
The Cashless Paradox For any global visitor, Japan has long been a land of fascinating contradictions: a nation of futuristic bullet trains and talking toilets that, until very recently, ran on physical cash. As UX researchers in Tokyo, we’ve had a front-row seat to the dramatic unraveling of this very paradox. If we turn the clock back just seven […]
“Oshikatsu” – The Next Japanese Word You Need to Know
Words like emoji and otaku have entered the global business lexicon, each offering a unique window into Japanese culture. It’s time to add a new one to your list: Oshikatsu (推し活). On the surface, Oshikatsu might look like simple fandom. It translates loosely to “supporting one’s fave,” with “oshi” (推し) being the favorite idol or […]
Retro Revival: Why Japan’s Gen Z Finds Joy in Analog Experiences
Generation Z (Gen Z), known for their digital savviness, surprisingly finds value in analog products. Retro vinyls and cameras with film, in particular, have become global trends, with more young people seeing the charm in slightly old and inconvenient retro items. One of the most fascinating aspects of Gen Z is their ability to balance […]
Unveiling the Trends of Social Media Usage Among Gen Z in Japan
Growing up in a digital environment, I have experienced profound changes in how social media apps and sites are used. Unique values and evolving preferences have naturally influenced the way I, and many others of generation Z (Gen Z), engage with these platforms. But what are the values that have come to define the Gen […]
Why Are Young People Leaving Their Cars? Strategies to Win Back Their Hearts and Minds
Introduction The trend of young people distancing themselves from car ownership has been a significant topic in Japan since the early 2000s. This phenomenon, reflecting broader changes in economic, social, and lifestyle factors, poses a critical challenge for car manufacturers. To understand and address this issue, we need to delve into the underlying reasons and […]
The Deeper Side of Japan’s Gen Z: A Generation That Loves Emotionalism?–An Introduction to “Emoi”
The term “Gen Z”(Generation Z) is now widely used around the world, referring to the generation born between 1996 and 2015. Though well known for their skill with technology as “digital natives,” this generation has further unique characteristics, such as social activism and a strong sense of self. It is often thought that overseas businesses […]