Case Studies & Research
Collection and research of real-world business cases leveraging Japanese IPs. Filter by industry, collaboration type, and year.
Industry
Collaboration Type
Year
25 cases
AI-powered sake label design targeting overseas markets, blending traditional calligraphy with modern AI art for innovative branding.
Outcome:
Contributed to increased brand awareness in overseas markets
MAFF and Michelin collaborated to promote quality certification for overseas Japanese restaurants, advancing authentic washoku culture globally.
Outcome:
Over 300 certified restaurants in 50 cities worldwide
Paris Fashion Week collection blending Japanese kimono techniques with modern fashion, reinterpreting Nishijin weaving and Yuzen dyeing in contemporary designs.
Outcome:
Widely covered by global fashion media, 50% increase in orders
Popular game streamers collaborated with municipalities to showcase gaming sacred sites via livestreams, linking virtual and real tourism.
Outcome:
Over 5 million cumulative stream views, 20% increase in visitors to featured regions
Japanese karaoke chains expanded massively into the Philippines and Indonesia, blending local music culture with Japanese-style karaoke boxes.
Outcome:
Over 100 locations in Southeast Asia, becoming embedded in local youth culture
Studio Ghibli's theme park opened in Aichi Prefecture's Expo 2005 Commemorative Park, faithfully recreating Ghibli worlds in harmony with nature.
Outcome:
Over 1 million annual visitors, contributing hundreds of billions of yen to Aichi's economy
Sanrio characters × BTS's BT21 collaboration products launched globally, successfully bridging K-POP and Japanese character fans.
Outcome:
Rolled out in Sanrio shops worldwide, successfully cross-pollinating both fan bases
Digitized Hokusai's ukiyo-e as NFTs, opening new collector markets by blending traditional art with Web3 technology.
Outcome:
First auction generated over 200 million yen in transactions
Technology proposals for overseas high-speed rail projects based on Shinkansen technology, promoting international expansion of Japanese rail operations.
Outcome:
Garnered attention as a model for overseas expansion of Japanese rail technology
Co-working spaces added to onsen areas, attracting overseas remote workers for workations. A new model for long-stay tourism.
Outcome:
30% increase in long-term stays by overseas remote workers, 14-day average stay
Universal Studios Japan opened a themed area featuring Nintendo IPs. The park brought Mario's world to life, gaining worldwide attention.
Outcome:
Significantly boosted USJ attendance, innovated the global theme park industry
Bonsai subscription service for overseas markets, delivering mini bonsai kits with a connected cultivation guide app.
Outcome:
Growing subscriber base mainly in North America, noted as a successful subscription model
Mindfulness app developed in partnership with Japanese Zen temples, globally distributing meditation guides by authentic monks.
Outcome:
Over 500,000 downloads in 30 countries, selected for Apple Best of 2021
UNIQLO's graphic T-shirt line UT collaborated with Demon Slayer. The global rollout saw immediate sellouts across international markets.
Outcome:
Rolled out in 2,200+ stores worldwide, sold out on launch day in many locations
Hita City in Oita Prefecture, hometown of creator Hajime Isayama, collaborated with Attack on Titan through bronze statues and stamp rallies.
Outcome:
Opened Attack on Titan Museum, significantly increasing tourist visits
Ninja experience facility using AR/VR technology, allowing foreign tourists to virtually train as ninjas with cutting-edge tech.
Outcome:
Grew into a popular experiential facility, especially among foreign tourists
Yamazaki 55-year-old sold for approximately 85 million yen at auction, proving Japanese whisky's global reputation and investment value.
Outcome:
Japanese whisky exports increased 70% year-over-year across the category
Pokémon manholes (Poké Lids) installed in Hida-Takayama attracted tourists on pilgrimage-style visits, boosting the local economy.
Outcome:
Over 200 Poké Lids installed nationwide, creating a pilgrimage tourism boom
Luxury hotel chains introduced authentic tea ceremony programs, becoming popular as high-value services for inbound tourists.
Outcome:
90% of participants gave 5-star ratings, 40% repeat rate
NARUTO & BORUTO Shinobi-Zato area opened at Nijigen no Mori on Awaji Island, becoming a fan pilgrimage site with life-size recreations.
Outcome:
300,000 annual visitors, becoming a flagship attraction for Awaji Island tourism
One Piece character bronze statues installed across Kumamoto as earthquake reconstruction support. Leveraged creator Eiichiro Oda's hometown connection.
Outcome:
10 statues became tourist attractions, gaining international attention as symbols of reconstruction
Dragon Ball Z × Adidas Originals sneaker series featuring limited-edition models inspired by characters, gaining global popularity.
Outcome:
All 7 models sold out on launch day, commanding premium prices on resale markets
JR East launched pilgrimage campaigns for real locations featured in 'Your Name' and 'Suzume'. Special tickets and stamp rallies were offered.
Outcome:
200% increase in tourists to Hida and Suwa regions year-over-year
Kumamoto Prefecture's mascot Kumamon was offered license-free, allowing businesses nationwide to use it freely, dramatically boosting awareness and economic impact.
Outcome:
Cumulative related product sales exceeded 1 trillion yen, becoming a model for Japan's mascot strategy
Virtual singer Hatsune Miku appeared in Toyota Corolla commercials, blending virtual and real worlds to appeal to younger audiences.
Outcome:
Strong response from young audiences, pioneering virtual character use in advertising