Japan

Nissin has released caffeinated instant meals in Japan in the form of noodles and curry. Specifically targeting gamers, this is the first time a functional, caffeinated meal has been launched. Gamers are an increasingly important and discerning demographic with high product expectations.

Bridging the language gap of Anglophone generative AI, Japan is launching its own LLM. As AI innovation proliferates, people expect technology to be tailored towards their cultural needs, and brands can expect an uptick in hyper-specific preferences when it comes to digital touchpoints.

The evacuation drill app Nigetore was designed for users to choose their evacuation routes and prepare for disaster in the most relevant ways. As people grapple with more climate emergencies, personalised platforms like this can help address more specific needs rather than spark more panic.

To encourage Japanese shoppers to eat their greens, 7-Eleven has launched Veggie-Check, scanning customers' palms to analyse their vegetable intake. As healthtech becomes more commonplace, affordable, and accessible, there are growing privacy concerns over the price of convenience.

Japanese cosmetics giant Pola has teamed up with aviation company ANA to create skincare products that the country’s astronauts will use. With space exploration no longer a remote possibility for the masses, beauty brands are mining the extraterrestrial for innovation inspiration.

The Japanese luxury hotel chain is launching a package that allows guests to sing karaoke while floating in a private tub in the open sea. As one-of-a-kind experiences become currency in luxury travel, brands are dialling up both novelty and seclusion to win over HNW tourists.

McDonald’s created a chart-topping J-pop jingle to promote a relaunch of its Taste of Japan burgers in Indonesia. The success of this campaign demonstrates a unique go-to-market local strategy, where leveraging the right experiential codes in food and music can transcend language differences.

A study has found that employees in Asia often feel they have to appear busy at work even if they're not doing anything productive. Employers have an opportunity to champion a refreshed mindset towards productivity and help employees manage their time, careers, and social lives.