{"title":"Interview","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"collaboration-with-hauu-暮らしのなかの-ゆるもちレシピ-ep-02","title":"Everyday Recipes for a Soft and Relaxed Life, EP.02｜collaboration with hauu (nishikawa)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eQ. What kind of spaces or places help you relax?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce a month, I gather with a close-knit group of families to hang out. We often rent a cottage and spend time in nature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are three families of friends I’ve known since I was 20, and as it happens, our children are all the same age. Before we knew it, we all got into camping and going to the beach for surfing. My husband loves fishing, so we sometimes head out to rivers or mountains as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/HAUU-2.jpg?v=1775969666\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen someone posts in our group LINE, \"This cottage looks nice,\" someone else will say, \"Shall we go there this month then?\" and the destination is decided quite naturally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven when we’re all together, we don’t spend every moment in the same spot; everyone does their own thing. Some people go for a walk, others go fishing, and some just take it easy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe only naturally drift together when it’s time to eat. That kind of distance is really comfortable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpending time fulfilling everyone’s little \"I want to try this\" wishes is, perhaps, the most relaxing moment for me.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/HAUU-3.jpg?v=1775969692\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQ. What are your principles when creating a room?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFriends often come over, and I love standing in the kitchen feeling the bustle of everyone around me. Since I can see the entire living room from the kitchen, I feel like I'm part of the space even while cooking. That kind of distance is comfortable, and this has naturally become my favorite place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/HAUU-7.jpg?v=1775969723\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore I knew it, my interior decor had become quite colorful (laughs). I often bring back things I like from my travels little by little, and it feels like the current look is a result of those layers. Even my slippers are from Sri Lanka; every item has a memory behind it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI’m also fond of the vase I made with Taira, and the drawings he’s done. I feel like just having something handmade by someone adds depth to a space. Perhaps the way I create a room is by slowly layering those kinds of things.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/HAUU-11-683x1024.jpg?v=1775969787\" alt=\"\" width=\"230\" height=\"345\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/HAUU-10.jpg?v=1775969803\" alt=\"\" width=\"230\" height=\"345\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaira thinks the hauu blanket is his own (laughs). Sometimes a duvet is just too hot, but that light warmth seems to be just right for him. It’s light and easy to use, so I feel it’s perfect for kids too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQ. How do you reset your mind when you’re tired?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the past year or so, I’ve made it a firm rule not to schedule any work on days when daycare is closed. Since I can manage my own schedule, I could keep working if I wanted to, but that eventually leads to burnout. I’ve decided that my days off are for my children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/HAUU-5-768x1152.jpg?v=1775969866\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso, I make sure to take at least an hour of \"me time\" after my kids and husband have gone to sleep. I might watch a video or read a book. Just having that time to be alone feels like a great way to refresh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost importantly, I try not to strive for perfection. A friend once told me, \"Nobody dies if the house is messy,\" and I thought, \"That's so true!\" (laughs). Some days I feel like cleaning, and other days I just want to slack off, so I try to spend my time in a way that matches how I’m feeling at the moment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/HAUU-9-768x512_e4b51f4a-0036-493b-a998-f05a5b6a6006.jpg?v=1775969893\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother thing is that I try not to jump to conclusions. Whether it’s work-related or something at home, I try not to force a decision immediately and instead set the issue aside for a moment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThings naturally settle down as time passes. I feel like by doing that, I’ve been able to live a little more easily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/hauu-0291-6.jpg?v=1775969925\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"koko-no-me","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53068902728043,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/hauu-0291-6.jpg?v=1775969925"},{"product_id":"コミュニティ作りは-聞く-ことからはじまる-nicで学ぶ若者たちがいま思うこと","title":"\"Community Building Starts with Listening\" | What Young People Learning at NIC Are Thinking Now.","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn the summer of 2024, Creative Studio koko worked with the students of NIC International College, an educational institution dedicated to preparing students for entry into overseas universities, to create a set of creative guidelines for the production of their content.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNIC International College offers a special one-year educational program that helps students graduate from top-tier universities around the world, supporting them in their pursuit of an international education. Since its founding in 1988 as the Nevada State University Japan Campus, it has acted not merely as an agency for study abroad, but as an international college that prioritizes the \"individual.\" Through intensive, small-group classes characterized by a \"dialogue-based and participatory\" approach, it promotes the acquisition of Western-style critical thinking and expressive skills.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe college provides an environment that connects individuals through shared values, serving as a gathering place for everyone from recent middle school graduates to working professionals who have the drive to \"truly learn,\" \"change their environment,\" or \"make their dreams come true,\" as well as a place to learn English that will be useful in their future university life abroad.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe project began when NIC instructors approached us, sharing that they felt a need to reach out to people who are considering studying abroad or who are struggling because their current environment doesn't feel right, by using various media. However, they were unsure about the best approach for designing their content and establishing a policy for communication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/241206_nic_guideline_01.jpg?v=1775528926\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/241206_nic_guideline_02.jpg?v=1775528926\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/241206_nic_guideline_03.jpg?v=1775528927\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/241206_nic_guideline_04-768x468.jpg?v=1775528926\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSupport provided by the koko team\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eDesigning three workshops to form a project team consisting of students and instructors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eDiscussing the \"NIC of the past\" and the \"NIC we want to be\" to share an understanding of the images and words that define \"what makes NIC unique.\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eDefining the purpose, categories, and strategy for content production.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eCreating creative guidelines to clarify the brand identity and future direction.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInspired by NIC’s educational philosophy and the passion of the students who were already independently running an Instagram account, koko proposed a collaborative process. Rather than simply offering a one-way proposal, we worked as one with the students and instructors. Through dialogue-based workshops, we defined the value of the NIC brand, established content production policies, and created creative guidelines. We also worked together to plan the operation and dissemination of content, keeping feasibility in mind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/241206_kokonome_nic_1_01-768x512.jpg?v=1775529384\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the first workshop, we began the first step of guideline creation by working on their Instagram profile. We conducted sessions that included an explanation of the basics of branding strategy and exercises to identify the appeal of NIC.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the brainstorming session, we used sticky notes to gather ideas in response to questions like: Why do you think NIC is a necessary place for Japanese students? What kind of people gather here? How do you learn at NIC? And what is the atmosphere like?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe discovered the various appeals of NIC—finding dreams, friends, and skills—with phrases like \"being your true self,\" \"emotional support,\" \"getting serious,\" and \"gaining life skills.\" Taking cues from these keywords, we ultimately derived the key phrase, \"Being 'different' becomes the power of your dreams.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/241206_kokonome_nic_1_04-768x512.jpg?v=1775529385\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/241206_kokonome_nic_1_03-768x512-1.jpg?v=1775529433\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring our discussions to create the guidelines, we were constantly struck by how the NIC students respected each other while speaking their minds freely, and how they utilized their unique perspectives to verbalize their organization's strengths. We often found ourselves asking: \"How are you able to share a vision so smoothly?\" The discussion was so interesting to the koko members, and we felt that there were many perspectives relevant to organizational development, so we decided to interview them in the final workshop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this first part, we share the authentic voices of NIC students regarding what it means to have an environment where you can be your true self, and how they found their own sense of self-identity in the first place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/241206_kokonome_nic_1_05-768x512.jpg?v=1775529384\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e“Everyone moves according to their own axis. That is comfortable.”\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOtani\u003c\/strong\u003e: Throughout our three workshops, I really felt the students' ability to express themselves, their power to verbalize the significance of NIC's existence, and the sense of security within the community. During the discussions, we reached a definition of NIC as a \"place where you can do your best as yourself.\" How do you all think about expressing your \"true self\"? Isn't it difficult to be who you want to be and embody that directly?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"I was a kid who always did what I wanted, kind of like Gian (from Doraemon). But because I was good at school, as I moved through elementary and middle school, people started viewing me as the 'honor student' character. Before I knew it, the gap between how people saw me and my natural, mischievous self became extremely painful, and eventually, I became someone who wouldn't speak up at all.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eBut when I came to NIC, there were only 'weird' people. Everyone has their own individuality, and for the first time in that environment, I felt relieved that I didn't have to worry about how others judged me, realizing, 'I can just be myself.' Now, I’m fully myself from the start! I talk to people I’ve never met, asking, 'Nice to meet you, what’s your name?'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eI was able to recall that innocence inside me that I had almost forgotten. It feels like I can just do it naturally now that I’m at NIC.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/241206_kokonome_nic_1_02-768x512.jpg?v=1775529384\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOtani\u003c\/strong\u003e: Did you feel anxious about having your true self denied or the pressure to meet expectations before coming to NIC?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"There were very high expectations from those around me, like 'That’s just who you are.' So I always felt I had to live up to those expectations no matter what.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eBut at NIC, everyone is their own axis. Because everyone is their own axis, maybe they don’t expect that much from others, for better or worse. Everyone around me is also moving according to their own axis, and I find that very comfortable.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/241206_kokonome_nic_1_06-768x512.jpg?v=1775529384\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Maybe you need breathing room to be yourself. Honestly, I think everyone has their own axis in their own way. It’s not that NIC students are special.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eIt’s just that in regular school life, there’s really no breathing room. NIC students don't have much room when it comes to studying either, but we have more free time than you'd expect, with classes in either the morning or afternoon.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eBack in middle school, I’d wake up, rush to school, go to morning club practice, attend classes all day, and go to club practice again. There were so many other things I had to do, like assignments, and I really had no emotional capacity. I think I was so caught up in getting good grades that I stopped seeing what was around me.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"At NIC, everyone values the individual, which is exactly why we don't hold expectations for each other. Since we have a mission to study abroad in one year, everyone can study how they want, and we keep a good balance with one another. Since everyone has their own way of doing things, maybe that’s why there’s no one here to deny you.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/241206_kokonome_NIC_1_07-768x512.jpg?v=1775529384\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e“Building a community begins with 'listening'”\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"At NIC, I can stimulate those around me, and I can be stimulated by them. The high school I was at before took it for granted that everyone would go to university, and there were no other options.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eSince not many people had the goal of finding their own path, I felt a bit uncomfortable with the gap. At NIC, while we all share the desire to work hard, everyone has different things they want to do and goals they are aiming for, so we can grow together. That’s why I was able to realize what being myself really means.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOtani\u003c\/strong\u003e: It’s not just about being stimulated; it’s about feeling like you are contributing to others as well. That is such an important thing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChii\u003c\/strong\u003e: Perhaps it’s important not just to have a place to speak, but an environment where others listen to you. It makes you feel like you are contributing, and maybe that leads to confidence. Through talking, you can verbalize what might be your individuality or what your strengths are. That kind of relationship is also really important in our professional lives, isn't it?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"After I speak, there’s always a response. Someone tells me what they think. Because I'm never ignored, I feel that people are truly listening to me and trying to understand me.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/241206_kokonome_nic_1_08-768x512.jpg?v=1775529384\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Of course, it’s important to speak. But first, you have to be the one listening. Instead of saying, 'Isn't it like this?', you empathize and accept what they have to say first. If you can communicate to people that there is someone who will accept them, they will open up and talk.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eAnd if you listen to others, they will start to listen to you. Actually, I’m going to a university in the UK soon, and I sometimes worried about what I would do when I left NIC. But recently, I’ve been calling my classmates when I feel anxious, and I’ve come to feel that building a community like this is something you can start on your own and continue even when you leave NIC.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOtani\u003c\/strong\u003e: That’s amazing. It’s very natural to think that if your environment changes, you won’t be able to do what you used to do. But realizing that you can create that environment yourself becomes a huge source of self-confidence and creates an unshakable axis. I feel like it’s not that easy to gain that kind of confidence, but hearing you speak, I feel that the sense of repeatedly internalizing this through communication with others in your current environment is what has created this reality for you—this realization that you 'can do it.'\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/241206_kokonome_nic_1_09-768x512.jpg?v=1775529384\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"koko-no-me","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53069850870123,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/241206_kokonome_nic_1_05-768x512.jpg?v=1775529384"},{"product_id":"自分らしくいられる関係性を持ち続けることの大切さ-nicで学ぶ若者たちがいま思うこと","title":"\"The Importance of Maintaining Relationships Where You Can Be Yourself\" | What Young People Learning at NIC Are Thinking Now.","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn the summer of 2024, Creative Studio koko collaborated with students from NIC International College to create a set of creative guidelines for the school's content production—an educational institution focused on preparing students for enrollment in overseas universities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNIC International College offers a special one-year educational program that supports students in advancing to overseas universities, with the goal of helping them graduate from world-class institutions. Since its establishment in 1988 as the Japan campus of the University of Nevada, it has functioned not merely as a study-abroad agency, but as an international college that emphasizes the \"individual.\" Through thorough small-group, interactive, and participatory classes, the school promotes the acquisition of Western-style critical thinking and expression skills.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeyond learning English that will be useful in university life abroad, the school serves as a place where people of all ages—from fresh junior high school graduates to working professionals—gather, driven by a desire to \"truly learn,\" \"change their environment,\" or \"make their dreams come true.\" It is a community connected by shared values.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis project began when teachers at NIC consulted us, stating: \"We feel the need to disseminate information through various media to reach people who are considering studying abroad or who are struggling because their current environment doesn't fit them, but we are unsure of how to approach our design and content strategy.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/241206_nic_guideline_01.jpg?v=1775528926\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/241206_nic_guideline_02.jpg?v=1775528926\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e▼ What the koko members supported:\u003cbr\u003e———————————-\u003cbr\u003e・Designing three workshops to form a project team consisting of students, teachers, and others.\u003cbr\u003e・Discussing the \"NIC of the past\" and the \"NIC we want to be,\" and sharing a common vision of imagery and language regarding \"NIC’s unique value.\"\u003cbr\u003e・Designing the objectives, categories, and strategy for the content to be produced.\u003cbr\u003e・Developing creative guidelines to clarify the brand identity and future direction.\u003cbr\u003e———————————-\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eAt koko\u003c\/span\u003e, we were inspired by NIC's educational philosophy and the enthusiasm of the students who were already running their own Instagram accounts. Rather than unilaterally proposing a policy to the teachers, we proposed a process that involved working as one with the students and teachers. Through interactive workshops, we helped define the value of the NIC brand, establish content production policies, and create creative guidelines. We also worked together to design a policy for communication and operation that considered feasibility.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/241213_kokonome_NIC-2_01-1200x800.jpg?v=1775719840\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/241213_kokonome_NIC-2_02_1.jpg?v=1778588963\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eIn the second workshop, we brainstormed design policies together with the students and teachers. To begin, a Koko designer held a design workshop to explain how we use fonts, colors, photography, and graphics in our branding strategies to express brand messages and worldviews.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eFollowing this, during the working session, we turned our \"mood\" into keywords based on the question, \"What kind of impression do we want to convey to people encountering NIC for the first time?\" We built key images such as \"an open place\" and \"a stoic atmosphere where everyone is working hard, combined with kindness and warmth,\" derived from words like \"speed, all-out effort, family, friends, curiosity, and challenge.\" We then materialized these images by discussing color samples and over 20 different Japanese and English fonts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/241213_kokonome_NIC-2_03-1536x1023.jpg?v=1778588907\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eDuring the discussions to create the guidelines, we were often struck by the sight of the NIC students—who expressed their opinions freely while respecting each other and utilized their individual perspectives to articulate the organization's strengths—and we frequently asked ourselves: \"Why are they able to share a vision so smoothly?\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eIn the second part of this report, we will share authentic voices from NIC students on what they cherish as they spread their wings to the world, and what they do to stay true to themselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/241213_kokonome_NIC-2_04jpg.png?v=1778588908\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\"Taking a step forward and engaging with others as your true self\"\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cb\u003e\"For example, when I meet friends from junior high or high school after a long time, I feel a difference compared to NIC students, who have such clear ideas about what they want to do. I get comments like, 'It's great that you're doing what you want to do, that's amazing.' But when I listen carefully to them—asking, 'Why do you think that? Why do you feel that way?'—the atmosphere of the conversation gradually changes. They start to show their true thoughts without putting on a front. Whenever they tell me, 'I've never been able to talk about this kind of trouble with anyone,' or 'Even my best friend doesn't know, why can I talk about it here?', I realize the power of listening and the importance of truly facing what the other person is thinking.\"\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOtani:\u003c\/b\u003e I think \"being yourself\" is something that you can't express entirely on your own. I'm in my 30s now, and it's only recently that I've been able to express my thoughts and feelings exactly as they are. For example, back when I was a student, even if I tried to talk about my ideas or how I felt, I was often met with comments like, \"You're overthinking it,\" \"You're too serious,\" or \"Why do you think about so much stuff?\" Even if you want to express your true self, if you don't have a place that accepts you, you have no choice but to suppress it. Having a relationship where you can say what you want to say and have it be accepted is so important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cb\u003e\"I also feel that it might be difficult to have serious conversations with people who aren't NIC students. Even if I talk about what I'm thinking to friends back home, I often get a lukewarm reaction, like 'Aren't you overthinking it?' But when I talk with other NIC students, even serious topics feel like normal conversation. I really love the atmosphere where people listen to me carefully first and where my feelings are accepted as they are. Feeling that 'it's okay to talk' is so important.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/241213_kokonome_NIC-2_05.png?v=1778588908\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOtani:\u003c\/b\u003e Building a relationship where you can bare your true self is incredibly difficult. Personally, I couldn't find such a place until I started working. I feel that is a huge hurdle. It seems that for everyone here, that place was NIC, but how do you think one can find a place where they feel accepted?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"I think it's important to take a step forward, even if it's scary. In my case, I had close friends before, and I was even the student council president at my previous school, so honestly, I thought I would probably end up going to a decent university if I just stayed on that path. But when I properly faced the inner voice saying I wanted to go to a place where I could challenge myself and work harder, I felt like I gained the courage to step out of that comfortable environment.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cb\u003e\"I couldn't do it at first either, but now I think, 'Being my true self is the strongest thing I can be!' When you try to conform to the expectations of those around you, a sense of discomfort inevitably remains. But if you are your true self, there is no discomfort at all, because that's who you are. By taking a step forward and showing your true self, you engage with the other person with everything you've got. Then, the important parts—like, 'Oh, this is who this person is'—get across, and the relationship changes. I understand the hesitation, but I think a great deal changes when you take that step forward and interact with others with total honesty.\"\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/241213_kokonome_NIC-2_06.png?v=1778588908\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Maintaining relationships where you can be yourself”\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eChii\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e (NIC Graduate)\u003c\/b\u003e: During this project, I reunited with my NIC peers for the first time in a while, and we were able to talk just like we used to. Some are married and about to have children, but even if their life stages have changed, I don't feel like they've fundamentally changed at all. That's amazing. I think the reason we can maintain a relationship that doesn't change over time is precisely because we’ve had honest conversations and there’s a sense of security in truly understanding one another.\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eOtani:\u003c\/b\u003e Being in a state where you share the recognition that this community is psychologically safe, and having relationships where you can always be yourself and be accepted, is really incredible.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/241213_kokonome_NIC-2_07-1536x1023.jpg?v=1778588908\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"I think the important thing is to keep maintaining the relationships and connections where you can be your true self. Just before we travel overseas, there is a period where we leave NIC to prepare. Even in that short period, I feel like I almost forget the enthusiasm I found at NIC and the sense of self I regained. If you don't regularly interact with people you can speak honestly with, you end up changing before you know it. Even if your surroundings change, I think the most important thing is to hold on to relationships and connections that allow you to be yourself and stay the person you want to be. I still call my peers and talk on video calls from time to time.\"\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cb\u003e\"When you go into a new environment, you end up unconsciously trying to conform to those around you. But if you maintain connections that allow you to be yourself no matter where you are, you can always return to that baseline. As long as you have relationships where you can be your true self, I think you can get by anywhere.\"\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOtani:\u003c\/b\u003e Through these workshops, I feel that the relationships everyone found at NIC are truly irreplaceable. Being a strong team while each individual maintains their own identity is incredibly difficult, and it's something we are struggling with as we move forward right now. When you want to change society or change something, what one person can do alone is very limited. I want to value how to make an impact while living together with others, without erasing anyone's individuality. This project taught me so much about the nature of community and the power of a space through everyone's experiences and ideas. Thank you all so much.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/241213_kokonome_NIC-2_09-1536x975.jpg?v=1778588907\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"koko-no-me","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53076101890411,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/241213_kokonome_NIC-2_01-1200x800.jpg?v=1775719840"},{"product_id":"暮らしのなかの-ゆるもちレシピ-ep-01","title":"Gentle and Soft Recipes for Daily Life EP.01 | collaboration with hauu (nishikawa)","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/HAUU03-8315.jpg?v=1775734837\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p1\"\u003eThis town itself is my place of comfort.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eMy room is, of course, a place where I can settle down, but when I look at the bigger picture, maybe \"this town itself\" is my place of rest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI like places that are crowded and stimulating, but they also leave me feeling exhausted. When that happens, returning to this town gives me an immediate sense of relief.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eResting in my room is important, but the time I spend going out to local shops or walking through the streets feels like an extension of the time I spend at home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe atmosphere of the entire town is something that relaxes me just by being here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI’ve never left the Chuo Line area since I came to Japan, and I’ve been living in Nishi-Ogikubo for about 10 years now. I'm sure I’m not the only one who \"can't seem to leave the Chuo Line\" (laughs).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eOf course, there are plenty of other wonderful places, but this place really is different. I feel a sense of relief the moment I step onto the Chuo Line.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/HAUU03-8387.jpg?v=1778586284\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLiving alone. But not alone.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eTo begin with, many of my friends are artists, photographers, or involved in some kind of creative activity. The things in my room didn't just come from intentional shopping trips; they are things I bought at friends' exhibitions or gifts that have naturally accumulated over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eEvery week, without fail, someone comes over to hang out. Since many of my friends live nearby, it's a daily occurrence to get a text like, \"Can I come over now?\" It's a casual vibe, like asking, \"What should we have for dinner?\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eSo, I don't really have the feeling of living alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eOne friend works at a coffee shop about a 30-second walk from here, and I use that place like my workspace; then there’s a curry shop a little further away where another friend works...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eIf I walk around town, I’m bound to run into someone I know.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003ePerhaps the \"sense of relief\" I mentioned earlier comes from that. I live alone, but I'm not lonely (laughs).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eChoosing what feels \"just right\" for me today.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eA bed is a strange place, isn't it? (laughs). It's a place to read, a place to work, a place to eat—it would be more functional to separate these things, but for some reason, everything ends up happening in bed. I probably shouldn't admit that out loud (laughs).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eYou know those mornings when you just don't want to move yet? Wrapping myself in a blanket during those quiet moments makes me feel a little at ease.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003ehauu\u003c\/span\u003e's blankets are soft, fluffy, and truly warm. More than that, they give me a sense of calm, and I feel like my breathing naturally deepens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/HAUU03-8399.jpg?v=1778586283\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eOn days when I'm tired, I often watch a movie in bed before sleeping... Even though I have a projector, I end up watching on my phone (laughs).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eBut sometimes, I feel like, \"I need to take a break from digital life.\" When that happens, I switch into reading mode. I suppose it's like searching for the method that suits me best at any given moment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/HAUU03-8515.jpg?v=1778586283\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eA relationship I want to keep, no matter how old I get.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI often meet up with friends in the evenings, too. I love the time we spend talking late at night in this room. Conversations in a coffee shop or a bar are totally different from those we have in my room, and the intensity changes completely between day and late night.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI don't have to worry about the last train, so friends nearby come over just to talk. Maybe I'm the type who finds clarity by talking to someone rather than bottling things up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eRecently, I’ve found myself wondering, \"How long will I be able to live like this?\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eAs I get older, perhaps some of my friends will find partners, and I’m sure there will be many changes ahead. Even so, I would be happy if I could continue this lifestyle with others being \"added\" to my current relationships as time goes on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/HAUU03-8339.jpg?v=1778586283\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"koko-no-me","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53076295909739,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/HAUU03-8315.jpg?v=1775734837"},{"product_id":"セキララカード-the-new-chapter-避妊デーだからこそ考えたい-バウンダリー-の話","title":"Sekilara Card × THE NEW CHAPTER | A talk on \"boundaries\" we should consider precisely because it's Contraception Day","description":"\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eHello everyone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThis is \"koko no me,\" a media outlet operated by Creative Studio koko.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eWe create spaces where people involved in \"creating\" and \"delivering\" can explore paths toward a better society and workplace in the realms of expression, planning, and communication, and empower one another.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eOur theme is, \u003cb\u003e\"What we want to talk about right now.\"\u003c\/b\u003e We aim to connect with new perspectives by gathering topics that we—those involved in creative production—are curious about, such as the creative process, ways of working, and our relationship with society, and by engaging with diverse knowledge and thoughts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eAhead of World Contraception Day on September 26th, we hosted an event on September 22, 2025, titled \u003cb\u003e\"Why World Contraception Day is the Perfect Time to Talk About 'Boundaries'.\"\u003c\/b\u003e The goal was to make contraception and sex education more accessible and to foster a space where these topics can be discussed with peace of mind. Here is our report on the event!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image4_f6780f15-dd51-4626-bb03-d043a53beb39.jpg?v=1788782291\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p4\"\u003e\n\n\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFacing Boundaries on September 26th, World Contraception Day\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\"World Contraception Day\" is a day for awareness-raising activities held around the world to convey the importance of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and to support informed knowledge and choices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eContraception is not just about controlling pregnancy; it is a foundation of sexual and reproductive health and a crucial theme connected to everyone's dignity and way of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eHowever, in Japan, comprehensive sex education is not yet widespread, and due to the historical taboo surrounding \"sex,\" there is a lack of accurate knowledge and safe spaces for discussion. As a result, many people currently face confusion and anxiety, wondering \"How can I ask them to use contraception?\" \"How do I confirm consent?\" or \"Am I even allowed to enjoy sex?\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThis is where the concept of \u003cb\u003e\"boundaries\"\u003c\/b\u003e becomes essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eA boundary is the \u003cb\u003e\"comfortable line\" you draw between yourself and others.\u003c\/b\u003e For instance, it includes physical boundaries, such as \"I'm okay with this, but no further,\" and emotional boundaries, like \"I don't want to talk about that today.\" Understanding and respecting each other's boundaries serves as the foundation for confirming consent and having safe, open conversations about sex.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eAt the event held on September 22, 2025, co-hosted with the sexual wellness brand \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/thenewchapter.net\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eTHE NEW CHAPTER\u003c\/a\u003e, we invited Miki Kojima from \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/sekiraracard.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSekirara Card\u003c\/a\u003e. Together with people working in sex-related products and education, as well as interested participants, we created a space for open, frank discussion and shared learning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eBecause it is Contraception Day, we started by talking about \"boundaries.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eWhile co-creating a space where sex can be discussed safely, we explored the path toward making contraception more commonplace in Japan.\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- 縦画像2列 --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-content__images product-content__images--2 product-content__images--horizontal\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image14.jpg?v=1788782291\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image12.jpg?v=1788782291\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p4\"\u003e\n\n\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHow Products Open Up Conversations About Sex and Boundaries\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eEven though we know it’s necessary, it can be difficult to initiate conversations about sex and boundaries in everyday life. We asked our guests how products can help break down those barriers and spark dialogue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMs. Kojima:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe Sekirara Card was created with the theme of \"talking openly\" (sekirara). However, our second rule is: \"You can 'pass' on any question you don't want to answer.\" Not everyone has to share everything; if you don't want to talk about it, you don't have to. I believe having that premise helps respect the boundaries of others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eAlso, facing the questions written on the cards can be a trigger for realizing your own boundaries—like, \"Oh, I’m actually uncomfortable being asked this.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image13.png?v=1788782292\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003ePersonally, I’ve always liked talking, but I wasn't great at listening to others. Since I started using these cards, I’ve learned to listen without interrupting when someone else is speaking. I feel like I’ve naturally acquired that habit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThere were also moments using the Sekirara Card where I realized that speaking openly isn't necessarily comfortable for everyone. It made me realize that choosing not to speak is also a boundary used to protect important relationships.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMr. Koizumi (\u003cthe new chapter\u003e):\u003c\/the\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eSex is still a topic that tends to be treated as a taboo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eWhile I want to deliver products related to sex, I’ve found that in practice, it’s often easier to get acceptance if it’s framed as \"fem-care.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eSex is inseparable from our bodies and our daily lives. I believe we can stop treating it as something special and begin to see it as a topic that can be discussed as an extension of our daily routines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThere are many people who say, \"Actually, I wanted to talk about this.\" \u003cb\u003eA space to discuss sex is necessary not only for friends but also between partners. It involves physical intimacy, and to avoid hurting yourself or your partner, it’s something that should be discussed.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eBy having a card or product in between, people can naturally start talking about sexual orientation, what they dislike, and what feels good. Furthermore, it serves as a trigger to look at your own values, such as \"How do I feel about this?\" I want to cherish that time, and I hope others will too.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Boundaries Between \"Me\" and \"You\"\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eEven if you know what a boundary is, actually maintaining it isn't easy.\u003cbr\u003eNext, we asked our guests to talk about the difficulties of setting boundaries and the measures necessary to create safe spaces for dialogue, based on their own experiences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMr. Koizumi:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eI once received a consultation from someone who had sex with a person they met on a dating app before they were officially dating. They were in tears telling me that they didn't actually want to, but they couldn't protect their own boundaries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\"Isn't it shameful to be this old and worried about something like this?\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\"If I tell someone this, will they think, 'You're a grown adult'?\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThey hesitated to share their pain because of these kinds of thoughts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eBoundaries aren't just an individual problem. Even if you have a boundary you want to cherish, if the other person doesn't understand that mindset, it's hard to be respected. I think we must not forget that. I also feel that the argument of \"self-responsibility\" extends even to sex, as seen in phrases like \"you're an adult\" or \"at your age.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eI want to convey that SRHR and boundaries have nothing to do with age or gender.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMs. Kojima:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eBoundaries can't be maintained by individual awareness alone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eIt’s about putting your \"NO\" into words. And it’s about accepting the \"NO\" from the other person.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eWe hold regular events using the cards, and we are still exploring what an \u003cb\u003e\"environment where everyone can speak openly\"\u003c\/b\u003e really looks like.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- 縦画像2列 --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-content__images product-content__images--2 product-content__images--horizontal\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image3_f8ca05d0-b98b-4114-a0d0-f767bcbade35.jpg?v=1788782291\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eBringing Words and Tools to Protect Yourself into Daily Life\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eFinally, we asked our guests about their future actions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eHow can we cultivate our own boundaries in daily life? And through brands and products, what kind of dialogue and choices can we open up? They shared their perspectives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMr. Koizumi:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eI am in the middle of cultivating my own boundaries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eI make an effort to be aware of what feels \"pleasant\" or \"unpleasant\" to me. For example, if you can consciously make yourself feel comfortable, it becomes easier to notice those sensations when you feel uncomfortable due to external factors. \u003cb\u003eI consciously create time to tune into my mind and body sensations, such as going for a head spa, taking a bath, or journaling.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eIn Japan, sex education still tends to emphasize risks. Even in games or sports, you can participate proactively precisely because you know the rules. Conversely, if you are forced to do something because \"everyone else is doing it\" without knowing the rules, there is no way you can enjoy it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eKnowing the rules, having your \"NO\" respected, and engaging of your own free will—I believe that only with these premises can sex be truly owned by the individual. I want to spread a way of experiencing sex where everyone, regardless of their diverse identities, can participate with agency.\u003c\/b\u003e To that end, I hope to see more media, companies, products, and spaces that support this.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eI also want to spread the word \"boundary\" itself more widely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMs. Kojima:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eI would be happy if people used the Sekirara Card as practice for saying \"NO.\" As you face different questions, I think you will gradually start to see where your boundaries lie—like \"I can talk up to this point\" or \"I don't want to talk about anything beyond this.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSaying \"NO\" is not a bad thing.\u003c\/b\u003e The important thing is \u003cb\u003ehaving the words and tools to protect yourself.\u003c\/b\u003e Once your heart is hurt in a sexual context, it can take time to recover.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eUsing words, using tools, and having the choice to protect yourself. I hope that through the word \"boundary,\" people will understand the importance of these things, even if just a little.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image6_f6e599ee-cf17-494d-a13b-c9be6d33579a.jpg?v=1788782291\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePutting My Sensations into Words: My Boundaries\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eFrom the middle of the event, participants split into groups for a workshop and discussion on facing their own boundaries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe workshop used cards featuring various scenarios under three themes: [Workplace], [Interpersonal Relationships], and [Sex \u0026amp; Physical Contact]. Participants drew cards, thought about whether the situation was \"pleasant\" or \"unpleasant\" for them, and shared their reasons with the group.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image7_a78d1377-84be-4d96-b7e5-ee0b28161622.jpg?v=1788782292\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eIn the following workshop, participants chose a few scenarios from the cards they had drawn and thought about how they could actually communicate a \"NO.\" While experimenting with \"what phrasing is smooth\" or \"what kind of words make it feel safe to say,\" they discussed the background behind the difficulty of saying no, and what mechanisms and support are needed to make it easier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- スライド --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-content__slider\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-content__slide\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image9_696bbed1-6841-4b10-b1d8-3edac747ef89.jpg?v=1788782291\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-content__slide\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image1_f40f8c10-704c-4a44-ade9-e8a5024a1cd4.jpg?v=1788782291\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-content__slide\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image10_f1b56b38-bf52-4849-9f8e-891f89c2dab4.jpg?v=1788784354\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p4\"\u003e\n\n\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eKnowing Your Own Boundaries is the First Step to Contraception\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eBoundaries are not for pushing people away.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eNoticing what you feel as pleasant or unpleasant and putting those feelings into words. Understanding that others have boundaries different from your own. We believe that this accumulation of effort becomes a foundation for interacting with others safely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eSaying \"NO\" is also a form of communication that protects the comfort of both yourself and the other person. On the other hand, it takes practice to say \"NO\" and to accept a \"NO.\" That is why this workshop became a time for us to consider how to cultivate boundaries in our relationships with others while returning to our own sensations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThinking about contraception is not just about knowing methods or information. It’s about how you discuss and make choices with others while valuing your own body and intentions. The premise for that is, I believe, respecting the boundary between yourself and the other person.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eWe hope that this event serves as a catalyst for you to respect yourself and others, and to build safe, comfortable relationships when thinking about sex and contraception.⁡\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eAt koko no me, we will continue to face the themes you all at Creative Studio koko are curious about, want to think about, and want to discuss, creating spaces where we can walk together through dialogue and shared learning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image8_0bbf203a-e752-464c-a59a-ebb98d5bf2dd.jpg?v=1788782291\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e⚫︎ Click here for event-related content\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eOn the kokonome Instagram, we have published interview content with Ms. Nojo and other participants following the event👀\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s3\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DO3DQAZkuks\/\"\u003eIf you are interested, check it out here!\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e⚫︎ Follow koko no me 👀🌱\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\"koko no me\" is a media outlet operated by Creative Studio koko. We value creating a space where every individual involved in \"creating\" and \"delivering\" can deepen their thinking and discuss with peace of mind. By exchanging different ideas, perspectives, and emotions, we explore the path toward the future we want to create, starting from \"here and now.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eOur theme is \"#What we want to talk about 'right now'.\" We create opportunities for us to speak and think in our own words about what is happening in creative fields, the background of planning and production, working environments, and ways of expressing ourselves while navigating our relationship with society. Through events with guests and articles, we will deliver the first steps toward choosing our own future ways of expression and working.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e▷\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s3\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/kokonome_tokyo\"\u003eWe would be happy if you followed our Instagram and joined us!\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e▷\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/forms.gle\/T6UGEwHjAMcY3cTG6\"\u003eClick here if you would like to receive email updates about our events\u003cspan class=\"s4\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eText : Akane Takayama\u003cbr\u003eEdit\u003cspan class=\"s5\"\u003e：\u003c\/span\u003eAi Tomita \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"koko-no-me","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53821146595691,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image10_f1b56b38-bf52-4849-9f8e-891f89c2dab4.jpg?v=1788784354"},{"product_id":"暮らしのなかの-ゆるもちレシピ-ep-03","title":"Gentle and Soft Recipes for Daily Life EP.03 | collaboration with hauu (nishikawa)","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eQ: What kind of space or place allows you to relax?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI love places where people naturally gather around music.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eEveryone there shares that same love for music; titles and status don't matter, and each person just surrenders themselves to the sound in their own way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- 縦画像2列 --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-content__images product-content__images--2 product-content__images--horizontal\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image1_397809bc-373e-4eac-bad2-c85484367af2.png?v=1788828112\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image3_26a3eb5c-7212-4399-86a5-fc7a2c90a1dc.png?v=1788828112\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eIn that sense, I think music bars and clubs are very egalitarian spaces. You are freed from labels like race, gender, or religion, and there's a feeling that you can just be yourself without having to conform to anyone else.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThat’s exactly why I feel I can spend time there without putting on a front. It might be the place where I can be most natural.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe fact that everyone is enjoying the music with the same intensity—that sense of shared experience is something that always saves me.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eQ: What rules do you value when creating a room?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI’d say it’s about \"only placing things that I truly love.\" For instance, the poster on my wall is something I found at an art book shop in Berlin. It’s a somewhat famous store, and I went there feeling like it was a pilgrimage, but this just happened to catch my eye.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI hesitated a lot over whether to buy it, but since it was a piece with a very limited print run, I decided I didn’t want to miss out on such an encounter and brought it home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image9_57af55fa-275b-46f7-9a61-301080fff1c4.png?v=1788828112\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI’ve always liked vintage items. This lamp and this rack are both vintage. Perhaps I’m drawn to things from the past, whether it’s interior design or music.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eBecause I spend so much time at home, I want to carefully curate this place where my work and life overlap with the things I love.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI often have the radio on while I work. I’m not very good with spaces that are too quiet; I like to have a bit of presence. One thing I’ve really been into lately is the podcast \"Yoshiharu Doi and Tomoko Chris Philosophize About Cooking.\" Mr. Doi’s talk is truly fascinating, and I can listen to it for hours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- 横画像2列 --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-content__images product-content__images--2\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image2_e3341cb3-a8f6-4614-a852-2f6614f59b4d.png?v=1788828112\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image4.png?v=1788828112\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eQ: How do you reset your mind when you are tired?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI make a conscious effort to get outside. I’ll show my face at an exhibition or a party, or work at a café. If I stay at home for too long, I inevitably feel stifled, so changing my environment helps me clear my head.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWhen I was just starting my brand, I feel like I was in a state of being \"on\" all the time. I didn't know what kind of wave was coming next, so I was just frantically tackling whatever was right in front of me.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI’ve always been the type to pack my schedule and work hard. It was honestly a difficult time, but I also believe that experience is what taught me how to set my own priorities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image5_928e1e99-12a2-4e36-bf44-611ae46954a0.png?v=1788828112\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eRecently, I feel like I’ve finally started to get a grip on my own rhythm. I’ve reached a point where I understand the sense of \"if I put in this much effort, I’ll get this much back,\" and I've gained a bit of breathing room... Having that breathing room has allowed me to think about how I can act to improve my performance even further.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image7.png?v=1788828112\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eFollowing those changes, I now make a conscious effort to exercise, like going to Pilates or dancing. Since I’ve been dancing since I was in elementary school, I feel like my mind naturally resets when I move my body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eIt makes it easier to understand my physical and mental state, and my thoughts become clearer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI’ve also started making sure I get enough sleep. I used to push myself too hard, but now I feel that getting enough sleep is actually more important. If I’m sleep-deprived, my judgment becomes impaired, and in the end, it takes longer to recover.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eI believe that in order to continue creating better things, it’s essential to keep myself in balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- 縦画像2列 --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-content__images product-content__images--2 product-content__images--horizontal\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image6.png?v=1788828111\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"img-wrap\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image8.png?v=1788828111\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"koko-no-me","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53823004803435,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image5_10ed9959-ad58-44d3-82eb-0a567039d3fa.png?v=1788829006"}],"url":"https:\/\/kokonome.com\/en\/collections\/interview.oembed","provider":"koko-no-me","version":"1.0","type":"link"}