{"title":"報告","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"ちょっと動くだけで-こんなに違う-bala主催ウェルネスイベント-let-s-バラサイズ","title":"Such a big difference, just from a little movement. Bala's Wellness Event \"Let's Balacise\"","description":"\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eHello everyone. This is \"koko no me,\" a media platform operated by Creative Studio koko.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003ekoko is a creative studio that accompanies brands and works through the process of delivery, centering on the \"passion of the creator,\" while thinking together about and shaping Concepts, Strategy, and Contents.\u003cbr\u003eWe believe that more than anything, human passion and imagination create a world overflowing with joy and beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eFocusing on the unique worldviews and perspectives of the people who intersect at koko, we work together to create stories that paint the \"future to come\" starting from this very moment, right here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eIn this post, we share highlights from the \"Let's Balasize\" event hosted by fitness brand Bala on December 5, 2025!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/kokonome_bala-_10.jpg?v=1791082016\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003eWe held a wellness workshop, \"Let’s Balasize!,\" hosted by the LA-based fitness brand Bala. This event was a program designed to gently align both mind and body, with a focus on posture improvement. Welcoming Bala official trainer Ozarena, we focused on exercises that can be done while seated in a chair, resetting rounded shoulders and slouching while comfortably loosening the décolleté, shoulder, and upper arm areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003eMarika Kai and Mona Neuhaus also joined us for the day, sharing a peaceful time to bring \"movement\" back into our daily lives. By layering breathing with small movements, it became a truly \"Bala-esque\" wellness experience that lightened not only our posture but also our spirits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhat is Bala?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003eWith the concept that \"design moves you,\" Bala proposes a new wellness experience through its stylish products designed to be part of your lifestyle, and its authentic, high-efficiency \"Balasize\" muscle-toning program that can be started in just one minute—ensuring women can enjoy taking care of their bodies even on their busiest days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\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\/kokonome_bala-_9.jpg?v=1791082015\" 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_c78c3740-e126-4bb0-8461-de75ea719502.jpg?v=1788835295%0A\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003eOn the day of the event, Bala official trainer Ozarena first introduced the brand and its products. Afterwards, the participants each chose their favorite items from a wide variety of colors and practiced \"Balasize\" together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\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\/kokonome_bala-_1-683x1024.jpg?v=1791082015\" 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\/kokonome_bala-_3-683x1024.jpg?v=1791082015\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003eWe used the \"Bala Bar\" and \"Bala Bangles\" for this session. The \"Bala Bar\" is appealing not just for its cute appearance, but for its material that feels comfortable in the hand. It doesn't strain the hands or leave a metallic odor like traditional dumbbells, allowing you to move your body with ease. The \"Bala Bangles\" are designed to incorporate exercise into everyday life by wearing them on your wrists or ankles; since you don't need to grip them, they also help prevent unnecessary tension in the shoulders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003eDuring the Balasize session, the atmosphere was fun and harmonious, with Ozarena providing personalized advice to each participant. Through the roughly 30-minute session, it was a time to comfortably loosen the body and start the day with a positive mindset.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMoving fitness from \"something special\" to a \"comfortable habit.\"\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003eOzarena, who works as an official Bala trainer, says, \"Rather than special training, I want to value the small movements in our daily lives.\" She views posture improvement and body makeup not just as exercise, but as self-care to align the mind and body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003eIn this interview, we listened in depth to her story, from how she first encountered Bala, to the thoughts behind a program that can be done while sitting in a chair, and tips for facing your body without stress during busy days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image6_aeba7304-521c-41be-b851-80d8da9b5a5a.jpg?v=1788836080\" 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\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e—What kind of activities are you currently involved in?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003eCurrently, focusing on women’s body conditioning, I run a personal gym called \"Well-Bing Gym\" in Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture, and share information on body conditioning that is truly necessary for women through online diet courses and social media. As a trainer, I felt that much of the world's training is primarily about building muscle, with few spaces dedicated to supporting women's skeletal structures and body changes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003eWorking hard at muscle training doesn't always lead to change, or sometimes it can even lead to becoming overly muscular or disrupting your period. Based on these experiences, I built an original method (the Ozarena Method) that combines elements of muscle training, Pilates, and structural bodywork, centered on breathing. The goal is not to push the body too hard, but to align its natural balance to create a supple, beautiful physique.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003eMy gym is entering its second year, and my online courses are now in their fourth term. Seeing bodies change leads to a more positive mindset, taking on new challenges, and improving one's life. Witnessing those changes is the driving force behind my work. I hope to continue spreading the option of facing your own body as an extension of daily life, using Bala products, without making fitness something \"special.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image11.png?v=1788835295\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e—What does fitness mean to you, Ozarena?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003eTo me, fitness is not so much about \"training\" as it is a time to face and align my body. I used to believe that if I just worked hard at muscle training, I could get closer to my ideal body. But in reality, it didn't always change the way I wanted, and there were times I pushed myself too hard and got sick. Through that, I came to think that fitness shouldn't be about overcoming things with effort and grit, but about listening to what your body is saying.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003eWomen’s bodies, in particular, are greatly influenced by hormonal balance and life stages. That is why I believe it is more important to carefully feel your breathing, posture, and how you use your body, rather than the intensity or number of repetitions. Even just a few minutes of focusing on your body allows your mind and body to align naturally. I feel that accumulating those moments eventually changes your physique and how you spend your days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003eFitness is not about sacrifice or obligation; it’s a habit to cherish yourself. Being able to continue without strain and having it be an extension of daily life is what’s most important. That value aligns with how Bala exists—creating opportunities to move your body while having fun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/kokonome_bala-_5-1200x800.jpg?v=1791082016\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e—What points of Bala's products do you resonate with?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003eWhen I first encountered Bala products, it was love at first sight (laughs). I felt intuitively that this was absolutely essential for the current fitness market in Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003eWhile the strong image of \"muscle training = heavy, black, and rough equipment\" persists, Bala makes you feel good and excited just by looking at it. I strongly resonated with the idea that the existence of these products themselves can be a catalyst for changing your body while having fun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003eWhen I actually used them, I realized that beyond their cuteness, they are very well-designed in terms of weight, texture, and how they interact with the body. They don't impose excessive loads, but naturally add resistance to daily movements. You don't have to carve out special time; small gaps in your day become fitness sessions. This sensation overlaps with my core belief of \"aligning the body within daily life.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003eAlso, Bala doesn't force people into a mold of \"it has to be this way,\" but is attractive because anyone can use them freely according to their lifestyle and goals. Not everyone has to chase the same \"correct answer,\" but can instead focus on their own body. Because of that, I feel confident in recommending these products even to people who aren't fans of fitness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image7_66a760bf-976b-4177-975b-a8cba27a48c4.png?v=1788835301\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e—How do you hope to spread Bala products in the future?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003eMoving forward, I want to deliver Bala products not as \"exercise equipment,\" but as a part of a lifestyle. You don't have to push yourself; you don't have to create special time; you find yourself moving your body before you even realize it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003eMuscle training shouldn't be \"painful.\" It should be about changing your body while having fun. I think that sense is the charm of Bala.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003eTo achieve this, I value experience. Through events and workshops, by having people actually touch, move, and feel, I want them to realize, \"I can do this!\" or \"I can keep doing this!\" I want to increase the number of places where people—not just those who are good at fitness, but also those who have kept their distance from exercise—can feel comfortable picking up these products.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003eAlso, Bala's aesthetic beauty is a major draw. Just by placing them in your room, your mood lifts and you feel excited. Because they are products that naturally catch your attention, I feel they have a high affinity not just with the fitness framework, but also with fields like fashion, interior design, and general wellness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003eMoving fitness from \"something special\" to a \"comfortable habit.\" I hope that together with Bala, we can gradually expand that culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eClick here for Bala Instagram\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003eBala's Instagram also features interviews with Marika Kai and Mona Neuhaus, who attended the event!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/bala.japan\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eIf you're interested, check it out here!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\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\/kokonome_bala-_2-683x1024.jpg?v=1791082015\" 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\/kokonome_bala-_4-683x1024.jpg?v=1791082015\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e⚫︎Follow koko no me ♫\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\"koko no me\" is a media platform operated by Creative Studio koko. What we value is creating a place where each person involved in \"making\" and \"delivering\" can deepen their own thoughts and discuss safely. While 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=\"p4\"\u003eOur theme is \"#What we want to talk about 'now'.\" We create opportunities to talk and think in our own words about what is happening in the field of creativity, the background of planning and production, working environments, and how to define forms of expression in society. Through events with guests and article features, we provide a step toward choosing future forms of expression and work styles from our own perspective.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e▷\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/kokonome_tokyo\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eFollow our Instagram\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e and we'd be happy to have you join us!\u003cbr\u003e▷\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/forms.gle\/T6UGEwHjAMcY3cTG6\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003eClick here if you would like to receive email updates about our events\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003eText : Akane Takayama\u003cbr\u003eEdit : Ai Tomita \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"koko-no-me","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53076295582059,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/kokonome_bala-_1-683x1024.jpg?v=1791082015"},{"product_id":"ゲスト-能條桃子さん-選挙後こそ考えたい政治のこと-わたしたちのアクション会議-コピー","title":"Thinking about Politics After the Election: Our Action Meeting ── Momoko Nojo (Representative Director, NO YOUTH NO JAPAN)","description":"\u003cp\u003eHello everyone.\u003cbr\u003eWe are \"koko no me,\" a media platform operated by Creative Studio koko.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe create spaces where those involved in \"creating\" and \"delivering\" can explore paths toward a better society and workplace—areas where we can engage in expression, project planning, and communication, and empower one another. \u003cbr\u003eOur theme is \"What we want to talk about right now.\" We aim to connect with new perspectives by first bringing up topics that we ourselves, as creative professionals, are curious about regarding the creative production process, ways of working, and how we interact with society, and by engaging with different knowledge and modes of thought.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this article, we share a report on the event \"Politics We Need to Think About After the Election: Our Action Meeting,\" held on August 1, 2025, where we reflected on the results of the July 20th House of Councillors election and explored what we can do moving forward.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cmeta content=\"text\/html;charset=UTF-8\" http-equiv=\"Content-Type\"\u003e\u003cimg sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kokodear.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0CE05F4F-1450-4105-A829-E581D85FCF5A-1-scaled-4-1.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/kokodear.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0CE05F4F-1450-4105-A829-E581D85FCF5A-1-scaled-4-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/kokodear.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0CE05F4F-1450-4105-A829-E581D85FCF5A-1-scaled-4-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/kokodear.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0CE05F4F-1450-4105-A829-E581D85FCF5A-1-scaled-4-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/kokodear.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0CE05F4F-1450-4105-A829-E581D85FCF5A-1-scaled-4-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/kokodear.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0CE05F4F-1450-4105-A829-E581D85FCF5A-1-scaled-4-1-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/kokodear.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0CE05F4F-1450-4105-A829-E581D85FCF5A-1-scaled-4-1.jpg\" height=\"333\" width=\"500\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eJuly 20, 2025. After the House of Councillors election, what are we thinking and feeling?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThis election was marked by rhetoric that fueled social division.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eIt felt like a campaign where personal dignity and our right to live with peace of mind were increasingly threatened.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAdditionally, the low voter turnout, particularly among the youth, is a topic that surfaces every election. On social media, we frequently see comments like, \"What will one vote change?\" or \"I don't feel like my voice is heard.\"\u003cbr\u003e　\u003cbr\u003eFacing such realities, it may be natural to feel as though your voice or position is insignificant, or that there is nothing you can do. However, politics is not just for a select few; it is shaped by the voices of each and every one of us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor our koko no me event held on August 1, 2025, we welcomed Momoko Nojo, Representative Director of the general incorporated association NO YOUTH NO JAPAN, to discuss with participants how we feel now that the election is over and what actions we can take from here on out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\"Raising your voice is by no means easy.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eAcknowledging that premise, we re-examined the meaning of having an opinion, taking action, and expressing one's will.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eFirst, we asked Nojo how she views this recent election, focusing on gender equality and the rise of far-right parties. Following that, we explored two perspectives on what we can do to improve politics, even if just a little.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"333\" width=\"500\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image8_34d0c94d-162f-4417-bbf0-50e549684858.jpg?v=1778601482\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta content=\"text\/html;charset=UTF-8\" http-equiv=\"Content-Type\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e1. Focusing on the function of agenda setting\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eNojo:\u003c\/b\u003e In the Diet, elected lawmakers join committees where they engage in detailed discussions on legislation. You could say that committees are the place where the public will expressed in the election is translated into actual policy. That is precisely why, now that the power balance between political parties has shifted significantly, it is crucial to keep a close watch on what is discussed in each committee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eEven if a party has only a small number of members on a committee, they can still advocate that \"this law should be changed in this way\" through their questions. Such moments are often broadcast on television or covered in the news, drawing public attention. It is important to track how this \"agenda setting*\" function works. Furthermore, if a lawmaker appears who makes claims not based on facts, it is essential for citizens to serve a monitoring role. We are required to continue watching political movements not just during elections, but in the periods between them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e*Agenda setting: The process by which the volume and frequency of topics taken up by mass media and politicians shape what society considers to be \"important issues right now.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e2. Creating a social movement of \"YES\" rather than \"NO\"\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eNojo:\u003c\/b\u003e I feel that rejecting or criticizing people who support a different political party does not change the situation. Of course, it is vital to oppose discrimination and to be able to say in the moment that \"this is wrong.\" However, repeating \"NO\" will not earn sympathy from people who have remained unmoved by it before. Instead, it is important to present the \"YES\" options we hope for and expand our circle of empathy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eEven among those who hold opposing views or vote for different parties, many are likely struggling with their own daily hardships while casting their votes with hope. I would like to start by thinking about our own vision of an \"easy-to-live-in society\" and sharing what we want to communicate in various spaces, so that these people might eventually see our path as a better one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"499\" width=\"399\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image10_2e8a7c86-fc38-44c3-abb5-3867a0ffaf07.jpg?v=1778601482\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta http-equiv=\"Content-Type\" content=\"text\/html;charset=UTF-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhat is the path to weaving connections? Thinking about actions we can start tomorrow\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eFrom the middle of the event, participants split into groups for discussions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eThe first theme was \"What excited me or bothered me about this election.\" Looking back on the campaign, participants shared what they felt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eThings that were exciting\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e・More people discussing the election and sharing information than before.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e・Being encouraged by seeing protest activities by people saying NO to discrimination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e・Feeling a sense of increased interest as many people gathered in the streets during the campaign.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eThings that were bothersome\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e・Catchy slogans receiving more attention than the substance of policies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e・Focus being placed solely on \"foreign issues\" despite the many topics that needed discussion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e・Extreme comments on social media and unreliable reporting standing out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"354\" width=\"500\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image9.png?v=1778601483\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta http-equiv=\"Content-Type\" content=\"text\/html;charset=UTF-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eBased on what was shared, the participants then brainstormed ideas under the theme of \u003cb\u003e\"What I can do now,\"\u003c\/b\u003e classifying them into things one can do individually, things one can do in cooperation with others, things doable at work, school, or in the community, and other miscellaneous ideas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eHere are some of those suggestions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eParticipant A:\u003c\/b\u003e When opinions differ, I get a bit intimidated. Even though I have things I want to convey, I can't say them in the moment and just end up mumbling. So, I think it would be good if I could organize what I want to say in advance and have it ready as a \"package.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eParticipant B:\u003c\/b\u003e I'm going back to my parents' house soon, so I want to try asking them, \"Which party did you vote for?\" I was too scared to do it before, but someone in my group said they were able to talk properly with their family during this election, so I hope I can also discuss with them calmly why they made that choice and what they empathized with.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eAlso, I thought that through art like movies, one can understand that there are people with different ways of thinking, which can be a bridge to deeper empathy, so our group introduced various movies to each other.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eParticipant C:\u003c\/b\u003e A common opinion among us was \"Let's just keep talking about it.\" I think there are things we can do, like supporting candidates on social media, sharing fact-checks, and in our immediate circles. When someone makes a surprising remark, instead of immediately countering them, I want to ask why they thought that way. By finding points of agreement, I think that's important to prevent division. Ultimately, there isn't an immediate answer to what we should do, but I want to continue without despairing, and keep doing what I can without giving up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eParticipant D:\u003c\/b\u003e I sometimes give up on talking because I don't want to ruin my relationship with the other person. That's why I think it's important for me to change myself as well, by learning techniques for dialogue—like the ground rules of this event—and by absorbing information on how to communicate effectively.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"601\" width=\"400\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image3_534554b3-0793-43a6-b8d6-50ab702c3516.jpg?v=1778601482\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"601\" width=\"400\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image6_5ebfe40c-f34d-40e3-b167-7a3d91f66173.jpg?v=1778601482\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta http-equiv=\"Content-Type\" content=\"text\/html;charset=UTF-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eWhile the approaches varied—from social media communication, dialogue with family, to understanding through culture like movies—a common theme was the ingenuity to convey one's thoughts bit by bit while maintaining relationships, rather than creating division through differences in opinion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eFinally, incorporating the ideas from everyone, Nojo provided some closing comments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eWhat emerged were hints for engaging positively with politics and society in our daily lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eAlong with Nojo's comments, we introduce these 5 TIPS.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e#1. Be strategically optimistic\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eNojo:\u003c\/b\u003e Looking at the current state of society, it might be difficult to find reasons for optimism unless you actively seek them out. I think it's natural to feel despair at times, such as when discussions on same-sex marriage or selective separate surnames for married couples don't progress as hoped, or regarding the future course of the Diet.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBut I think the thing those with opposing opinions hate the most is for us to continue raising our voices without giving up. That is why I feel it is important to keep speaking out and to remain optimistic while doing so.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e#2. Step out of your comfort zone\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eNojo:\u003c\/b\u003e Staying with people who think like you is important, but at the same time, it can lead to a narrow perspective. That's why I think it's important to occasionally step out of your comfort zone and talk to people with different opinions. In those moments, you might find yourself thinking, \"How can I persuade them?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBut there are as many different backgrounds, perspectives, and senses of justice as there are people. Everyone has different standards of values. That's why it's important to have the premise that just because you've spoken, the other person won't necessarily change right away. You can't choose the timing for when someone else's heart will open. However, change can sometimes sprout from the gaps that appear while continuing a dialogue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e#3. Separate a person's character from their opinions\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eNojo:\u003c\/b\u003e If you talk to someone with different opinions by tying their views to the person themselves, you might end up hurting them in ways you didn't expect. Even if you can't change the person entirely, it is enough to just share your own thoughts by saying, \"This is how I feel.\" When you do that, you find parts where you can empathize, like \"We agree on this point,\" and the conversation naturally expands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e#4. Don't carry society on your shoulders\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eNojo:\u003c\/b\u003e If you think in terms of a \"me versus society\" framework, you might find it painful, wondering, \"Why hasn't society changed even though I'm doing so much?\" But if you look back on why you started your activism, I'm sure it began because you realized through gaining knowledge that \"what happened that time wasn't my fault,\" or you were able to process past experiences, or felt reassured that \"I wasn't the only one.\" Originally, you likely started this to make your own life a little easier.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen you feel, \"Why am I trying so hard?\", it might be a sign that you are pushing yourself too far. That is exactly when it's necessary to engage while valuing your own space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e#5. \"We\" can make a change\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eNojo:\u003c\/b\u003e There are many things that \"I\" cannot change alone, but that \"we\" can change. It is impossible to change the world by yourself, and if you become convinced that \"I am the only one,\" it can actually become quite painful.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThat's why it's important to place yourself in environments where you can feel that \"I am a part of this,\" such as by participating in events or getting involved in organizational activities. Because such spaces exist, even when you feel lonely or desperate, you can find the positivity to say, \"Let's do this together.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"599\" width=\"399\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image2_c015b97f-826b-4304-a727-445636abe2ad.jpg?v=1778601482\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"596\" width=\"397\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image1_8ad99d1c-35c8-4fea-b9ce-9ee200f6ba92.jpg?v=1778601482\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta http-equiv=\"Content-Type\" content=\"text\/html;charset=UTF-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLiving together in a society where \"differences\" are the norm\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eIn today's society, individual backgrounds and ways of living have diversified, and \"differences\" have become the norm.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis event was full of hints on how to face those \"differences\" in our daily lives, not just in politics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eWhen you encounter different opinions or positions, you might feel hurt by the other person's words or feel as if you are being denied yourself. It is never easy to face these situations calmly. However, by not denying the other person's character, listening to them, and conveying your own thoughts—the accumulation of such small efforts might just become the power to weave connections rather than using \"differences\" as a reason for division.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBecause society cannot be changed overnight, this work that we progress together over time will surely lead to changes in the next, or future, elections and the way politics is conducted.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe hope this event was a time to think about a more positive future for continuing that journey.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eAt koko no me, we will continue to create spaces to face the themes that everyone gathering at Creative Studio koko wants to \"know,\" \"think about,\" and \"talk about,\" learning together through dialogue and walking alongside you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cimg width=\"500\" height=\"333\" src=\"https:\/\/kokodear.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/kokonome_eventreport_1010_15-1.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kokodear.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/kokonome_eventreport_1010_15-1.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/kokodear.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/kokonome_eventreport_1010_15-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/kokodear.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/kokonome_eventreport_1010_15-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/kokodear.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/kokonome_eventreport_1010_15-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1300px) 100vw, 1300px\" style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eClick here for event-related content\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOn our koko no me👀🌱 Instagram, we are releasing interview content from after the event, featuring responses from Nojo and the participants. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DNc7YpLpCZt\/?igsh=MXQzZGRwZ3Bwcnhocg%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eIf you are interested, check it out here!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e⚫︎Follow koko no me♫-\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\"koko no me\" is a media platform operated by Creative Studio koko. What we value is creating a place where each person involved in \"creating\" and \"delivering\" can deepen their own thoughts and discuss things with peace of mind. While exchanging different ideas, perspectives, and emotions, we explore the path to the future we want to create, starting from \"here and now.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eOur theme is \u003cb\u003e\"#What we want to talk about 'right now'.\"\u003c\/b\u003e We create opportunities to talk and think in our own words about what is happening in the creative field, the background of planning and production, working environments, and how we explore forms of expression while interacting with society. Through articles and events with guests, we will deliver steps for choosing the future of expression and work from our own perspectives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e▷\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/kokonome_tokyo\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eFollow us on Instagram\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e—we would be happy for you to join us! \u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e▷\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/forms.gle\/T6UGEwHjAMcY3cTG6\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eClick here if you would like to receive emails regarding our events\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eText : \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/lu.an__624\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAkane Takayama\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEdit：\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/_chiaiai\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAi Tomita\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"koko-no-me","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53141886599531,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/kokonome_0801_02-1_1.jpg?v=1778601882"},{"product_id":"event-report-クリエイティブ現場における-同意-とは-インティマシー-コーディネーター浅田智穂さんと考える-安心-安全-のつくり方","title":"What Does \"Consent\" Mean in Creative Work? Thinking About How to Create a \"Safe and Secure\" Environment with Intimacy Coordinator Chiho Asada","description":"\u003cp\u003eHello, everyone.\u003cbr\u003eThis is \"koko no me,\" a media platform managed by Creative Studio koko.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe create spaces for people involved in \"making\" and \"delivering\" to explore paths toward better social and professional environments, and to empower one another through expression, planning, production, and dissemination. Our theme is \"What we want to talk about right now.\" By bringing together topics that we—as those involved in creative production—are personally curious about regarding the creative process, ways of working, and how we engage with society, we aim to connect with new perspectives through exposure to different knowledge and ideas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis time, following the Upper House election held on July 20, we wanted to think together with you all about what we can do moving forward, so we held \"Politics We Need to Think About After the Election: Our Action Meeting\" on August 1, 2025. We are pleased to share a report on the event!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cmeta http-equiv=\"Content-Type\" content=\"text\/html;charset=UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cimg sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kokodear.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0CE05F4F-1450-4105-A829-E581D85FCF5A-1-scaled-4-1.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/kokodear.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0CE05F4F-1450-4105-A829-E581D85FCF5A-1-scaled-4-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/kokodear.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0CE05F4F-1450-4105-A829-E581D85FCF5A-1-scaled-4-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/kokodear.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0CE05F4F-1450-4105-A829-E581D85FCF5A-1-scaled-4-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/kokodear.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0CE05F4F-1450-4105-A829-E581D85FCF5A-1-scaled-4-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/kokodear.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0CE05F4F-1450-4105-A829-E581D85FCF5A-1-scaled-4-1-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/kokodear.co.jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0CE05F4F-1450-4105-A829-E581D85FCF5A-1-scaled-4-1.jpg\" height=\"333\" width=\"500\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eThinking About \"Consent\" in Creative Workplaces: How Do We Build Safety and Security?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eWith the expansion of the #MeToo movement that began in the United States in 2017, practices that had been considered \"the norm\" on the sets of movies, dramas, and other creative projects were exposed in Japan as well for having harmed the dignity of performers and other individuals involved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cimg\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image1_05c6151e-59e5-4f26-bf6d-bb19c4009baa.png?v=1778601266\" alt=\"\" width=\"495\" height=\"330\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e©︎Jeanne Menjoulet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eTo realize a safer and more secure production environment for performers and staff, the process of \"consent\" is essential.\u003cbr\u003eHowever, what exactly does \"obtaining consent\" mean? In what scenes is it necessary? At what stage can we say \"consent has been obtained\"? Providing clear answers to these questions is not easy, and many production sites are still struggling with these challenges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eIn response to this current situation, at our kokonome event held on February 21, 2025, we welcomed Chiho Asada, a leading Intimacy Coordinator (IC), as our guest to discuss the following three main topics:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e　1. The role of an IC \/ What are intimacy scenes?\u003cbr\u003e　2. What is the \"consent\" required in creative workplaces?\u003cbr\u003e　3. Why an IC is essential for creating a safe and secure workplace\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThe talk focused on these three key points.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eChiho Asada\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"434\" width=\"320\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image5_4cebf4ae-da02-490f-94dc-9a253b461332.png?v=1778599314\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eProfile: Graduated from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in 1998. Became deeply involved in the film industry after serving as a jury interpreter at the Tokyo International Film Festival in 2003. Since then, she has participated in film sets as an interpreter, from project planning and filming for Japanese-American co-productions to premiere screenings. She has worked as an on-set interpreter for directors and as a stage interpreter, bridging the gap between English-speaking directors, choreographers, and dancers and their Japanese counterparts. In 2020, she completed the intimacy coordinator training program at the Intimacy Professionals Association. She participated in the Netflix film \"Her\" as Japan's first intimacy coordinator and has since worked on numerous films and dramas. Notable works include the Netflix series \"The Drops of God,\" Amazon Prime's \"1122: For a Happy Marriage,\" and the film \"Monster.\" She is also involved in the 2025 NHK Taiga drama \"Berabou.\"\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eTo begin, she gave an overview of the role of an IC and what constitutes an intimacy scene, incorporating examples from the U.S., where the practice of hiring ICs first began.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFacing the Set Without Rules as Japan's First Intimacy Coordinator\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAsada: An IC is a staff member who coordinates scenes so that actors can perform physically and mentally in a safe and secure manner when an intimacy scene* is present in film or other productions, while also maximizing the realization of the director's vision. I am not a supervisor; I always strive to participate in a project as a member of the production staff.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eIn the U.S., where the IC role was born, there is a film actors' union called SAG-AFTRA, which has very strict rules regarding the filming of intimacy scenes. However, because Japan has no such rules at all, it is difficult to implement them only for intimacy scenes when the general working environment and conditions for actors and staff remain unprotected. Therefore, I have been working as an IC by utilizing a set of minimum standards that I established myself.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e*Intimacy Scene: Refers to scenes involving nudity, simulated sexual acts, or sexual depictions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e \u003cbr\u003eIn the U.S., it is said that in addition to performance contracts, consent forms are prepared for performers who are involved in works containing intimacy scenes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣\u003cbr\u003e　\u003cb\u003eSummary of Parts of the U.S. Consent Form Regarding Intimacy Scenes\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e　　\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e✔︎\u003c\/span\u003e Detailed description of what the performer is consenting to.\u003cbr\u003e　　\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e✔︎\u003c\/span\u003e Consent can be withdrawn at any time before filming, even after it has been finalized.\u003cbr\u003e　　\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e✔︎\u003c\/span\u003e Within the scope of consent, a body double can be used if the actor chooses to decline a specific act.\u003cbr\u003e　　\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e✔︎\u003c\/span\u003e Once consent is given, it cannot be revoked for \"already filmed\" scenes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eMs. Asada began her career as an IC in 2020. While she sees gradual changes in the industry, the reality is that it cannot be said she is welcomed by all productions and staff. Amidst lingering issues like tight schedules and harsh labor conditions, she often faces individuals who believe \"ICs are unnecessary\" or receives skeptical reactions even when she joins a set. Despite this, she continues to stand on set, fueled by the desire to help protect the dignity and safety of actors, at least during intimacy scenes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"333\" width=\"500\" style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image4.jpg?v=1778599235\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Complex Process of \"Consent\" — Everyone’s Definition of \"Okay\" is Different.\u003cbr\u003eThat’s Why We Carefully Approach Each Person and Each Scene\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e \u003cbr\u003eAfter deepening our understanding of the basic role of an IC, we moved to the main topic of \"consent,\" starting with the process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAsada: I usually get involved in a production once the script is somewhat finalized and the pre-production stage—such as location scouting and casting*—is underway. I start by reading the script and flagging parts that might be intimacy scenes. Then, I confirm specifically with the director, \"What kind of depiction do you have in mind for this scene?\"\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eFrom there, I meet with each actor individually to begin the process of obtaining consent for the intimacy scene. Here, I don't just look for a clear \"Yes\" or \"No,\" but carefully listen to specific wishes and opinions, such as \"I can do this much, but not that.\" Depending on the content, I might report back to the director that \"everything is OK,\" or I might report that \"this part needs adjustment.\" By the day of the shoot, I ensure that both the director and the actor are on the same page.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eRegarding costumes, I don't usually attend fittings for standard attire, but if it involves underwear or something related to intimacy, I participate. I am always present on the day of filming for intimacy scenes.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e*Pre-production draft: An early version of the script created before the final shooting script, outlining the story structure and character settings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eSo, in what scenes are ICs actually needed? Even if we use the word \"nudity\" or \"sexual depiction,\" individual perceptions and expectations vary. We asked about specific situations where an IC is needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/2026-05-13_0.52.17.png?v=1778601146\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"315\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAsada: For me, I make sure to confirm everything in advance, even for scenes involving holding hands, putting an arm around someone, or hugging. However, such confirmation isn't always sought on every set, and there are times when an IC cannot be involved due to budget constraints. Still, I believe the process of confirming consent in some form is important. Past experience has shown me that there are a certain number of actors who, even in scenes without kissing or sexual depictions, think, \"I'll do it if I'm not asked, but I really don't want to hold hands.\"\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eIf asked where the confirmation of consent should begin, I think it starts at the point where one might feel even the slightest hesitation internally, thinking, \"Is this okay?\"\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eIt became clear that carefully building the process of consent is directly linked to creating an environment where actors can perform with peace of mind, especially given that actors meeting for the first time often have to perform intimacy scenes.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eToward the end of the talk, we discussed what changes these practices are bringing to the industry and why ICs are needed now.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eProtecting Actors' Dignity and the Work Through \"Choice\"\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAsada: Halting production costs a massive amount of money, but in the nearly 60 various projects I've been involved in, not once has an actor revoked their consent on the day of the shoot.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFor example, in the case of a streaming drama series, filming might last more than half a year. Even if we have a consent meeting before the start of filming, the intimacy scene might be five months later. Because of that, I sometimes receive concerns from actors, such as, \"Is this intimacy scene really necessary for the story?\" or because of their changing relationship with their co-star or director, they might reach out to say, \"I consented before, but I want to rethink it.\" However, as long as such concerns are raised in advance, I believe they can be resolved before the shooting day, so the filming itself never actually has to stop.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"334\" width=\"501\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image8.jpg?v=1778599235\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAsada: I believe that until now, Japanese sets haven't provided actors with the opportunity to choose how they engage with intimacy scenes. Through my dialogues with many actors, I've realized that when they are given choices and choose for themselves, they become able to face intimacy scenes with a strong sense of responsibility for those choices.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe power imbalance between production (directors\/producers) and actors is significant in the current industry. In this context, having an IC on set provides an opportunity for actors to verify or rethink their feelings. I was struck by the importance of having an IC present as a professional who \"supports the process of verifying one's own feelings.\" I also learned that carefully confirming consent through IC intervention not only supports the actors' peace of mind but also protects the work as a whole for the production side by reducing litigation risks and ensuring smoother filming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p2\"\u003e🗣️\u003cb\u003eWhat Can We Do to Create Safe and Secure Workplaces? The Circle of Solidarity Born from Dialogue\u003c\/b\u003e\n\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e \u003cbr\u003eIn the second half of the event, the 24 participants split into groups to discuss questions assigned to each group based on three themes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eA. How to secure the budget\u003cbr\u003eB. How to negotiate for introduction\u003cbr\u003eC. What can be done to increase allies\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"375\" width=\"500\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image2.jpg?v=1778599237\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"375\" width=\"500\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image3.jpg?v=1778599235\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eA. How to secure a budget?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eTo get a budget, we need to explain the physical and practical benefits of bringing in an IC. Through today's talk, I felt that an IC helps not just with human rights, but also with risk hedging and improving the quality of expression. I think we can explain to budget decision-makers that it helps improve the work's quality, ensures everyone is on board, and prevents potential controversies after release. The Japanese film industry has limited budgets, so it's hard to find money midway. It's safest to include it in the initial quote. When the director, screenwriter, and producer are working together, we should decide on the plan and budget under the premise that \"an IC is necessary.\" Consent isn't something confirmed on the day; it's born from being there for an actor's anxieties and feelings, so the production side should be sincere about including an IC. The industry is full of \"data on failures,\" which is why it's crucial that we demonstrate the right attitude.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eB. How to negotiate for introduction?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eThere's an atmosphere where, as a young person, it's hard to ask for an IC out of fear of being blacklisted or labeled as a difficult actor or staff member. That's why we need opportunities for the whole industry to learn. If staff members like makeup artists, costume designers, and technical crew—rather than just producers and directors—understand the significance of an IC, they can support the push for introduction. Building solidarity is the key to negotiating with those in power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eC. What can we do to make allies?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eEvents like today provide insights. By setting up opportunities for meetings involving ICs for every project, we can involve not only the upper management but also staff closer to the actors, like assistants, to grow our circle. Also, as a goal for our discussion team this year, we decided that for any project with intimacy scenes, each of us will raise our hand at least once and speak up in front of the staff, saying, \"Let's treat the filming of this scene with care.\" I believe if someone speaks up, the set can change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eWe were joined by film directors, producers, and professionals working in television and advertising. Very practical ideas emerged through our discussion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eAt the end of the event, Ms. Asada also shared comments based on everyone's input.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAs a Presence for Everyone Involved on Set\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAsada: Throughout today's talk, I think the words I used most were \"director,\" \"producer,\" and \"actor,\" but I feel that an IC is also a presence for the staff.\u003cbr\u003eMany staff members have likely stood on set feeling anxious that a scene was proceeding without the actor's full consent. In fact, while working as an IC, I have received many consultations about regrets like \"I couldn't stop it at that time\" or \"What should I have done?\"\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eFilm and video works are created by everyone, including the staff, not just the actors. I believe that an IC is not just for actors, but for everyone involved on set. Sometimes, assistant directors or hair and makeup artists who have experienced a good set invite me to their next project, and I feel that as more people experience production sites with an IC, solidarity is born.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image6.jpg?v=1778599235\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image10.jpg?v=1778599235\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eBecause there is \"Consent,\" there is expression that can be made.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p6\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003eThe role of an IC is not to limit expression.\u003c\/span\u003e Rather, by building a foundation where all parties feel safe, it becomes possible to carefully engage with expressions that were previously avoided due to anxiety or ambiguity.\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eInstead of \"increasing what we can't do,\" it's about \u003cb\u003e\"realizing expression in a way that everyone can agree upon, while respecting the passion for each work and the dignity of every individual involved.\"\u003c\/b\u003e Through this event, I felt that this is the value an IC brings to the set, and it leads to broadening the scope of creative production.\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThis event was filled with hints and perspectives on how we can create an environment where everyone involved in production feels safe and secure.\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eStart by talking about it. From there, a set where people can participate with peace of mind should begin to emerge, little by little. I believe that the insights gained from the dialogue today will be a firm step toward moving the next production.\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eAt kokonome\u003c\/span\u003e, we will continue to face the themes you all at \u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003eCreative Studio koko\u003c\/span\u003e \"want to know about,\" \"want to think about,\" and \"want to talk about,\" and create a space for us to walk together while learning through dialogue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/image9.jpg?v=1778599235\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"407\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eClick here for event-related content\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOn our koko no me Instagram, we have published post-event interview content with Ms. Nojo and other participants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DNc7YpLpCZt\/?igsh=MXQzZGRwZ3Bwcnhocg%3D%3D\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eCheck it out here\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e if you're interested!\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e-Follow koko no me ♫-\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\"koko no me\" is a media platform managed by Creative Studio koko. What we value is creating a space where every individual involved in \"making\" and \"delivering\" can deepen their thoughts and discuss with peace of mind. While 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 \u003cb\u003e\"#What we want to talk about right now.\"\u003c\/b\u003e We create opportunities to talk and think in our own words about what is happening on creative sets, the background of planning and production, working environments, and forms of expression that we explore while engaging with society. Through events with guests and articles, we will deliver a step toward choosing our own future forms of expression and work styles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/kokonome_tokyo\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eFollow us on Instagram\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e and we would be happy to have you as part of our community!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/forms.gle\/T6UGEwHjAMcY3cTG6\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eClick here if you would like to receive event-related emails\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eText : \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/lu.an__624\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAkane Takayama\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEdit：\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/lu.an__624\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAkane Takayama\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/_chiaiai\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAi Tomita\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"koko-no-me","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53216837042539,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0978\/3469\/7067\/files\/R0003689_VSCO.jpg?v=1778600915"},{"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"}],"url":"https:\/\/kokonome.com\/en\/collections\/report.oembed","provider":"koko-no-me","version":"1.0","type":"link"}