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<img src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/image_12_e44739f7c4.png" alt="image (12).png">March 8 was International Women’s Day, a day for the world to celebrate women’s achievements. It’s also an opportunity to raise awareness about discrimination and bias, and accelerate action to create a gender-equal, inclusive, and equitable world free of discrimination and stereotypes.At Moon Creative Labs, we celebrated International Women’s Day during the entire month of March with different activities and discussions. Throughout these events, we focused on empowering women: how we can improve representation in leadership roles, tackle gender stereotypes, and better support women in innovation and entrepreneurship.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:6240/4160;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/IWD_1_bb49c8fc2f.png" alt="IWD 1.png" width="6240" height="4160"></figure>To kick off the month-long commemoration, Moon's Tokyo office hosted a workshop that used plastic building bricks, encouraging participants to ideate business innovations focusing on women's empowerment. The workshop was open to the public and encouraged anyone to attend regardless of gender. The 22 participants got into teams and built a physical prototype out of the toy bricks, named their new business, and shared their proposals with everyone. Business ideas ranged from women's healthcare apps to an exclusive community aiming to foster women's confidence in society. The workshop was a lot of fun, and we hope it encouraged participants to get creative and put their ideas into action to make them a reality!<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:512/341;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/IWD_lego_blog_photo_2_6e1bf9712d.png" alt="IWD lego blog photo 2.png" width="512" height="341"></figure><hr>We also held an internal discussion on what women’s empowerment meant to us, and to acknowledge the strong women in our lives. A panel of Moon leaders and team members led the discussion, sharing how women have made an impact on them and their careers. One speaker shared how he realized the power of empathy through working with female entrepreneurs. He witnessed how empathy — especially when approaching heavy topics and situations — along with passion and experience, made others feel seen. Even through small, seemingly trivial actions and details, showing that you truly understand customers and put their needs first can help strengthen your business and its impact. He also suggested that one key theme in creating a more gender-equal workplace — and society — is paying attention to how we each can help others. Being in a leadership position, he has the opportunity to identify others’ strengths and act as a “supportive sounding board.”&nbsp;&nbsp;<blockquote>With inflexible requirements and pressure to remain in a “traditional” role... the advancement of women is greatly hindered.&nbsp;</blockquote>Another leader on the discussion panel said she was pleased to see more female founders throughout the span of her career, particularly when it came to women-centered products and services. “Having a man ‘tell’ us how to solve a problem” in areas that affect and impact women, such as women’s health and wellness or childcare, doesn’t really make sense. When asked how women’s empowerment has changed throughout the years, she recalled often being the only female in a male-dominated corporate world. “I just wanted a seat at the table,” she said, acknowledging how thankful and happy she is to see more women in corporate leadership roles. And how can we continue to see more women in those roles? More flexibility, she said. The key to that is normalizing non-”traditional” home and parental roles. It needs to be more widely accepted that all parents, not just mothers, take responsibility for raising a family, which can be supported by reformed policies like parental leave. Another panelist mentioned that he makes sure to share responsibilities with his wife, remaining flexible to accommodate her needs and decisions. “I prioritize my family and take action to empower my wife and daughters. I ask questions and communicate, and support their decisions. Sharing those responsibilities and staying flexible in your roles as parents are core to empowering and supporting women.”Flexibility with work scheduling and requirements can also help bring more equity to career advancement. For example, leadership roles shouldn’t be heavily dependent on aspects like travel requirements — such demands can hinder women from advancing if it’s perceived that a mother can’t travel due to her assumed responsibility of raising children. With inflexible requirements and pressure to remain in a “traditional” role, like a mother staying home to raise children and not taking on a corporate career, the advancement of women is greatly hindered. Though much progress has been made, there are still significant hurdles in the way. One Moon leader said, “A lot has changed, but there’s a lot of political headwind that slows these things down,” which then led to a brief discussion about the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. “DEI helps the bottom line,” a panelist added.The discussion was insightful and it was great to hear our leaders’ and team mates’ perspectives on women’s empowerment. Hearing their personal stories and how they take action to empower women illustrates how crucial it is for everyone to play a part in advancing gender equality and equity.&nbsp;Key takeaways from the discussion<ul><li>The power of empathy:&nbsp;Making others feel seen and understood creates powerful connections. When we truly see others, we can better understand how we can be supportive.&nbsp;</li><li>Career advancement requires flexibility:&nbsp;To see more diversity in leadership roles, we need to&nbsp;normalize non-traditional gender roles and create equity through flexibility and policy reform.</li><li>Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is critical:&nbsp;Despite progress, gender equality and the advancement of women throughout their careers is still hindered by traditional expectations and political resistance, highlighting the importance of DEI initiatives.</li></ul><hr>Later in the month, Moon Creative Lab, in collaboration with Japanese Women’s Initiative in the Bay Area (JWIBA), hosted an inspiring panel discussion on the challenges and opportunities for women in innovation and entrepreneurship.&nbsp;Beyond Bias: Unleashing Women’s Potential brought together five accomplished women—founders, CEOs, and government consultants—who shared their personal journeys and the obstacles they’ve overcome in their careers.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:4032/3024;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/Speaker_panel_2_7466483f5a.png" alt="Speaker panel 2.png" width="4032" height="3024"></figure>The conversation delved into the multifaceted experiences of women in the innovation sector, encompassing a broad spectrum of challenges and triumphs. The panelists candidly shared their personal journeys, highlighting common themes such as the delicate balancing act of raising a family while pursuing a demanding career, the geographical and emotional upheaval of relocation, the continual pursuit of knowledge and skills through education, the decision to pivot careers, the subtle and overt biases that persist in the workplace, and the frustrating experience of being underestimated due to gender.One panelist recounted her decision to leave a prestigious and well-compensated position at a renowned tech company to embark on the uncertain path of entrepreneurship. Her choice was met with skepticism from her family as they struggled to grasp her willingness to relinquish the stability and security of a corporate role. However, rather than succumbing to the doubts, she harnessed the skepticism as a catalyst for her ambition, channeling her energy into creating and building her own venture.The audience engagement was just as powerful. An attendee shared a particularly striking experience: while pitching her business to a male investor, she faced blatant microaggressions. When she stated how much funding she had raised, the investor questioned whether she meant the amount in yen rather than U.S. dollars—implying a condescending disbelief in her financial success.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:4032/3024;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/Speaker_panel_1_7791d2b106.png" alt="Speaker panel 1.png" width="4032" height="3024"></figure>Some panelists shared valuable lessons and words of encouragement. One speaker recalled her mother’s advice: “Always be yourself. If you want to do something, do it—no matter what others say.” This sentiment resonated deeply, serving as a reminder that confidence and resilience are just as critical as business acumen when it comes to driving innovation.Panelists also recalled the support they received from others including many men who were mentors and sponsors for them in the workplace. And now, they look to extend that help to other women. “I’m at a point in my career where I think about legacy. What can I do to open the door for other women to walk through and give them the encouragement and support that I at times did not find for myself? What opportunities can I uncover for other women to reach beyond what they thought possible?” one panelist asked.&nbsp;&nbsp;Beyond Bias: Unleashing Women’s Potential wasn’t just a conversation; it was a call to action—a reminder that supporting and championing women in innovation leads to greater creativity, stronger businesses, and a more inclusive future.Key takeaways from the discussion<ul><li>Resilience is essential: Success often comes with setbacks, and overcoming doubt—whether from family, investors, or society—is part of the journey.</li><li>Bias still exists, but it shouldn’t define you:&nbsp;From microaggressions to deeply ingrained societal expectations, the barriers are real, but they are also surmountable.</li><li>Innovation requires authenticity: Staying true to your vision and values is crucial in entrepreneurship and leadership.</li><li>Community matters: Spaces like this event create networks of support, mentorship, and shared learning that help drive change.</li></ul>Though March was an opportunity to commemorate International Women’s Day and Month, we know that achieving gender equality and diminishing discrimination and bias requires continuous effort. We look forward to holding more events and activities like these where we can continue the dialogue on gender equality and equity, and build even stronger opportunities for women in leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation.&nbsp;

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Authors: Matt Phillips, Senior Engineer, and Hoan Pham, Senior Product Designer at Moon Creative Lab<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:25%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:1238/1032;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/Screenshot_2025_03_26_at_11_46_45_AM_1b034ce669.webp" alt="Screenshot_2025-03-26_at_11.46.45_AM.webp" width="1238" height="1032"></figure>Matt Phillips, Senior Engineer&nbsp;For Matt, one of the best parts of his job is hearing new ideas daily. Pitches for products, ways technology can improve society — which he sometimes gets to help build as a full stack developer and opinionated teammate. He thinks “LLMs are the coolest thing I've seen in my career.”<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:25%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:1788/2064;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/Hoan_profile_f457b0d8f5.png" alt="Hoan profile.png" width="1788" height="2064"></figure>Hoan Pham, Senior Product DesignerHoan helps entrepreneurs brainstorm, define, and strategize future iterations of their product. He specializes in communication design, AI conversation design, and designing for AI workflows.<hr><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:720/405;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/short_090b1ea96d.gif" alt="short.gif" width="720" height="405"></figure>Hoan Pham and Matt Phillips work with Stephy Deng, founder of Adofaer.Moon Creative Lab recently had the pleasure of crossing paths with Stephy Deng, the founder of Adofaer, an AI-powered creative studio that enables fans to bring their wildest imaginings to life. With Adofaer, anyone can design custom toys and produce them at any scale, from a single prototype to a mass production run. Fun fact: Adofaer created possibly the first toy created by an AI-driven design tool!Stephy joined our educational program in Tokyo before diving into a more intensive workshop at our Palo Alto studio, where we had the opportunity to support her as she honed both her product and business.&nbsp;Designing and manufacturing a toy has long been a daunting endeavor: expensive, sluggish, and riddled with bottlenecks. Working alongside Adofaer gave us a rare glimpse into the industry’s challenges, and showed us three patterns that reduce impedance along the founder’s path.<h3>Pattern One: Founder-Market&nbsp;Fit Provides Unique Insight</h3>Stephy understands toys at a molecular level. She grew up immersed in the industry, watching the intricate ballet between designers, factories, and customers — the painstaking process of refining concepts, the smell of fresh-molded plastic, the final brushstrokes of paint before a toy reaches the shelf.She is also, by her own admission, a workaholic. Independent in thought, relentless in execution, and deeply embedded in her craft, she possesses an insider’s fluency in a world that outsiders struggle to grasp. This combo of deep domain expertise paired with an ability to build is what encourages her to see opportunities invisible to others.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:384/512;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/Adofaer_idea_board_566c8303ef.jpg" alt="Adofaer idea board.jpg" width="384" height="512"></figure><h3>Pattern Two: New Tech Unleashes Uncharted Creativity</h3>AI has iterated the approach. With today’s generative models, fans and hobbyists no longer need years of professional design experience to create something extraordinary.But deploying AI effectively is an art in itself. Because of Stephy’s profound knowledge of the toy industry, we were able to quickly identify which traditional processes were ripe for disruption — not with gimmicky, one-off AI solutions, but through an integrated, AI-driven pipeline.By sketching out ideas and testing workflows, we saw how multiple machine-learning techniques like diffusion models, mesh generation, and intelligent rendering could fuse into a single, seamless creative process. This interconnected approach is becoming a hallmark of the next wave of AI-powered design tools.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:512/384;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/Adofaer_whiteboard_8a2701a762.jpg" alt="Adofaer whiteboard.jpg" width="512" height="384"></figure><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:512/384;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/Adofaer_whiteboard_2_69547101c4.jpg" alt="Adofaer whiteboard 2.jpg" width="512" height="384"></figure><h3>Pattern Three: A Global Mindset Builds Resilience</h3>Though based in Hong Kong, Stephy’s reach is planetary. Her ability to navigate multiple markets isn’t just an advantage — it’s a necessity.The most resilient entrepreneurs, we’ve found don’t just operate within a single ecosystem; they draw on knowledge, networks, and resources from across the world. Stephy, for example, merges her experience in Chinese manufacturing with an understanding of intellectual property law in Japan and the U.S., while cultivating partnerships in Europe and the Middle East.In an era where supply chains are volatile and digital platforms transcend borders, founders who can think globally — who can stitch together insights from disparate industries and regions — position themselves for success.<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Adofaer Is On The Move!</h3>We’re thrilled to see Adofaer expanding, including an&nbsp;<a href="https://global.creww.me/global/en/real-madrid-next-accelerator-for-asia">exciting partnership with Real Madrid</a>. Want to design your own custom toy? Follow Adofaer on&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/helloadofaer">X</a> and visit<a href="https://adofaer.com">&nbsp;Adofaer.com</a>.<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Join Moon’s In-Residence Program</h3>Are you a founder with a bold vision? Our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mooncreativelab.com/in-residence">Moon In-Residence</a> program, based in Palo Alto, is designed to help entrepreneurs like you turn ideas into reality. Let’s build the future, together.

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<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:25%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:646/644;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/image1_a5c8b7adce.png" alt="image1.png" width="646" height="644"></figure>Author: Takuya Yamagishi, Senior Design Researcher at Moon.&nbsp;Takuya brings extensive experience in advertising strategy, brand concept development, and user research from his time at various advertising agencies. To deepen his understanding of human-centered thinking, he studied design research and service design at Goldsmiths, University of London, and Hyper Island design school. He leads projects ranging from user understanding, needs assessment to hypothesis validation, prototype development and testing.<hr>At Moon, we host "Future Visioning" workshops to uncover emerging trends and potential business opportunities in specific industries. Earlier this year, from January to February, the workshop series focused on "Future Work Styles and Upskilling."<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:1999/1579;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/image5_37dc33cbef.jpg" alt="image5.jpg" width="1999" height="1579"><figcaption>Workshop Scene</figcaption></figure>With the rapid evolution of AI services, like ChatGPT, we pondered a critical question: what will be the purpose and nature of human work in the new AI-driven world? The workshop revealed a future where work styles may become more fluid with greater value placed on individual uniqueness.&nbsp;Here’s a closer look at some of the ideas and predictions that emerged from our sessions.&nbsp;Table of Contents<ul><li>The Dragon Quest-Style Work Style Brought by the Spread of AI</li><li>Featured News and Related Startups</li></ul>&nbsp;<h3>The Dragon Quest-Style Work Style Brought by the Surge of AI</h3>Are you familiar with Dragon Quest? It's a role-playing game (RPG) series where players take on the roles of heroes and adventurers, collaborating with companions to face powerful enemies like demon kings and explore vast worlds.Our workshop suggested that as AI becomes more integrated into work, Dragon Quest-style work styles may become more prevalent. So, what is a "Dragon Quest-Style Work Style"? Based on the workshop results, we've identified five key elements.🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉<h3>Characteristics of the Dragon Quest-Style Work Style</h3><h4>1. Mission-Driven</h4><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:2000/2000;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/image3_d5eb50b3a8.png" alt="image3.png" width="2000" height="2000"></figure>In many RPGs, including Dragon Quest, the story starts with a clear "mission"—whether it is defeating a demon king or pacifying a war-torn world. This mission serves as the driving force that motivates players to spend countless hours on the game.Our workshop suggested that as AI reshapes the workplace, people will become more "vision-driven" and will be motivated by a sense of "purpose." Freed from mundane and repetitive tasks being handled by AI, people will place increased value on the "why" behind their work.&nbsp;This shift will increase the desire to work for companies whose missions, visions, and values resonate with them. It will also lead to the growth of mission-driven communities, connecting individuals, businesses, and even local governments around shared goals and values.<h4>2. Project-Based Teams With Necessary Members</h4><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:2000/2000;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/image8_aab73d890f.png" alt="image8.png" width="2000" height="2000"></figure>In Dragon Quest, there’s a "party" system that allows players to form teams with specialized characters like wizards and warriors, selected based on the type of challenge or enemy.&nbsp; Similarly, with increased AI integration, work will be more "project-based" and "team-oriented." It will be structured around project units with the necessary skills, personnel, and budgets set for attaining the specified goals. Teams will be assembled from both internal and external talent, combining the right expertise to meet project demands. After project completion, teams will dissolve and reorganize for new projects.&nbsp;This fluidity will create opportunities for knowledge-sharing and unexpected collaborations—key ingredients for successful innovation and new project successes.Professional history will also adapt to this new model. Resumes will shift from listing job titles to highlighting&nbsp;project-based achievements, detailing the projects you contributed to, the team members you worked with, and the outcomes you helped deliver. This evolution will reflect a more dynamic and skills-focused career narrative.&nbsp;<h4>3. Visible Skills and Level-Ups Through Work</h4><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:2000/2000;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/image2_aba16b83d3.png" alt="image2.png" width="2000" height="2000"></figure>In many games, character skills like strength, agility, and intelligence are scored and displayed to players. Experience points earned through battles with monsters allow characters to increase their abilities.Similarly, we can envision a future where individual skills&nbsp;are tracked and visualized in real-time, with personalized training programs tailored to each person’s strengths and development areas.&nbsp;In the U.S., "Skills Tech," a technology area focused on managing and improving employee skills, has been gaining traction. Instead of traditional classroom learning, "simulated practical styles," where skills are learned naturally through simulated work, will become more common.This applies not only to technical skills but also to soft skills such as communication, leadership, and emotional intelligence. Our workshop emphasized the importance of these human-centric skills, which are essential for successful teamwork and relationship-building. Visualizing a range of skills will simplify team formation and make training more effective, creating more agile and capable teams.&nbsp;<h4>4. Freedom To Change Jobs</h4><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:2000/2000;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/image4_6034b88ec1.png" alt="image4.png" width="2000" height="2000"></figure>In Dragon Quest III, the “job change” system allows characters to switch roles once they reach a certain level. For example, a wizard who transitions to a warrior becomes a warrior who can use magic—combining the strengths of both roles.&nbsp;In the real world, switching to a completely different occupation through job changes or transfers is uncommon. However, with the surge of AI and the increased access to diverse skill sets, we will move closer to a world where we can freely choose jobs and design careers based on what we want to do rather than what we have done in our past careers.This shift will enable more flexible and creative career paths where individuals can design their professional journeys based on their interests and evolving skills. Eventually, we can expect to see the emergence of unique hybrid roles created by combining diverse skill sets—blurring the lines between traditional job categories and opening up new career possibilities.&nbsp;<h4>5. AI Tools for Enhancing Abilities and Skills, and Autonomous AI Agents</h4><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:2000/2000;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/image6_aa8363d702.png" alt="image6.png" width="2000" height="2000"></figure>In Dragon Quest, weapons and armor are used to enhance a character’s attack and defense abilities. These tools are critical for advancing in the game. Some items possess special skills, while legendary weapons offer exceptional performance. Similarly, AI will serve as a powerful tool for enhancing individual capabilities and improving work efficiency through specialized skills..In the later Dragon Quest series, a system was introduced where players could recruit monsters to fight alongside them. These monsters can be seen as a today's AI agents. How well you command and utilize these AI agents will determine your success.As AI becomes more widespread, mastering AI tools and strategies will become a fundamental aspect of business literacy. Furthermore, high-performance AI and agents may become premium assets—accessible only to a select few at high costs. We may even see the rise of legendary AI tools, akin to the coveted “Erdrick’s Sword,” becoming rare and highly sought-after advantages in the business world.🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️We have now explored the five characteristics of the Dragon Quest-style work style. While news about AI replacing jobs can make the future of work seem uncertain, it's worth reflecting on how we felt while playing games. Weren’t we excited and fully absorbed, losing track of time?&nbsp;The Dragon Quest-style of work envisions a future where people work with that same sense of joy and purpose.Just as using computers became second nature over the past few decades, mastering AI will become indispensable in the near future. However, there is something more important than skills: the question of "Who do I want to have adventures with, and what kind of adventures do I want to have?"Even if your answer to that question is unclear, AI will be able to serve as a powerful tool to help support and realize your vision.For further reading, explore startups and news related to the Dragon Quest-style work style:&nbsp;<h3>Featured News and Related Startups</h3>1. Launch of "In-House BizReach by HRMOS," a New Service to Prevent Talent Outflow Through Internal ScoutingUsing generative AI, this service creates "internal resumes" by summarizing several years of employee achievements and experiences in minutes. This helps in building and maintaining in-house talent repositories. By inputting "in-house job postings," the system automatically verbalizes and proposes position requirements. It also helps recruiters&nbsp; It also supports recruiters by enabling them to define and refine position requirements based on an employee's specific career history and skill set.Reference: <a href="https://www.bizreach.co.jp/pressroom/pressrelease/2025/0128.html">https://www.bizreach.co.jp/pressroom/pressrelease/2025/0128.html</a>&nbsp;BizReach, a Japanese company renowned for its recruitment platform that connects high-caliber professionals with businesses seeking immediate talent, has launched a new service, 'In-House BizReach by HRMOS'. While the name has drawn attention, the service's standout feature is its 'internal resume' creation capability.Visualizing skills is a key step toward the "Dragon Quest-style work style," where skills are clearly defined and leveled up through work experience. The system will help in creating internal resumes to visualize skills and accelerate project-based team formation.&nbsp;2. DeNA Tomoko Namba Talks "Company Management and Growth Strategies in the AI Era" (Full Transcription)We will grow our existing business with half the personnel. And with the other half, we will work on new businesses. Not just one new business, but with the image of producing unicorns with groups of 10 people, we will attack crazily.Reference: <a href="https://fullswing.dena.com/archives/100153/">https://fullswing.dena.com/archives/100153/</a>&nbsp;This is an excerpt from a speech by Tomoko Namba, Founder and Chairperson of DeNA, at the opening of "DeNA × AI Day || DeNA TechCon 2025," hosted by DeNA Corporation. In the speech, Namba outlined a bold strategy: rather than relying on the full workforce to grow existing business, DeNA plans to dramatically increase productivity through AI and redirect half of the workforce towards building new businesses. The idea of "mass-producing unicorns with 10 people" reflects the current trend in the United States, where unicorns valued at 300 billion yen are being created with teams as small as just 7 people.This strategy perfectly embodies the "Dragon Quest-style work style" of forming small, focused teams to achieve ambitious goals, with AI serving as a powerful tool. Namba’s phrase “attack aggressively” hints at a future where forming lean, highly skilled teams to drive innovation with AI will become the norm..3. Adventure Your Career with Data, Chart a Map to the Future | Carrium Inc.Carrium Inc.'s "Career Force" service (<a href="https://www.carrium.co.jp/">https://www.carrium.co.jp/</a>) visualizes career paths and explores future possibilities based on real career data from approximately 1 million people. You can quantitatively learn about the career paths of people who have had similar careers to yours in the past.This service reveals a broader range of career options than you might have imagined. Knowing your career possibilities and expanding your options connects to the "Dragon Quest-style work style" world, where you can freely change jobs and roles based on your evolving skills and interests.In the future, the company plans to offer services that propose personalized career paths based on work histories, shaping a new era of career design.&nbsp;4. Audio Education Media for Sharpening Thinking Skills | VOOXVOOX (<a href="https://www.voox.me/">https://www.voox.me/</a>) is an audiobook service where authors deliver knowledge from their books in their voices, with content distributed through apps like "Amazon Audible" and "VOOX."Their newly launched "Future Lab" service offers workshops aimed at enhancing the human ability to "conceptualize and understand the essence" of complex ideas, drawing from liberal arts. The workshop focuses on "themes that create the future," "interdisciplinary discussions," and "social implementation of intelligence."As mentioned, In the&nbsp;Dragon Quest-style work style, missions play a central role. To create compelling missions, it is essential to deeply understand the essence of the business and identify key elements. By enhancing conceptualization abilities, companies can craft meaningful ‘missions’ that resonate with employees, attract top talent, and drive higher engagement.&nbsp;<h3>Would You Like to Think About the Future of Work with Moon?</h3>At Moon, we would like to explore new possibilities through discussions and workshops on future work styles and upskilling/reskilling with HR personnel and companies/startups engaged in this field. If you are interested, please contact<a href="mailto:takuya@mooncreativelab.com"> takuya@mooncreativelab.com</a>.<img class="image_resized" style="aspect-ratio:646/644;width:25%;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/image1_a5c8b7adce.png" alt="image1.png" width="646" height="644">Author: Takuya Yamagishi, Senior Design Researcher at Moon.&nbsp;<hr>All Illustration by Freepik Storyset (<a href="https://storyset.com/">https://storyset.com/</a>)

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<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:25%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:1525/1973;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/image3_48fcc4d69c.png" alt="image3.png" width="1525" height="1973"></figure>Author: Khairil Azmi is Moon Creative Lab’s Program Manager for Asia-Pacific, based at the Mitsui &amp; Co.’s Asia-Pacific regional HQ in Singapore. A Mitsui employee originally from Mitsui Indonesia, he joined Moon Creative Lab in October 2021, responsible for business development across the region.&nbsp; At Mitsui, he concurrently handled strategic planning’s diverse and dynamic activities for the region in 2021-2024.<hr>My journey at Moon Creative Lab has been nothing short of transformative. As a&nbsp;Program Manager&nbsp;for the thriving Asia Pacific region, I have had the privilege of connecting people, ideas, and opportunities: helping creative thinkers become founders and supporting startups as they grow. Whether it was sourcing new collaborations, bridging corporate and entrepreneurial worlds, or supporting them through the innovation process, every step reinforced the power of experimentation, resilience, and strategic networking. Working in Moon’s dynamic, human-centered environment has not only sharpened my ability to navigate ambiguity and think entrepreneurially, but has also deepened my belief in the impact of bold ideas and meaningful connections.I would like to share key insights and reflections from this journey, lessons that have shaped my perspective on innovation, collaboration, and personal growth. Here, you can read about&nbsp;the experiences navigating the intersection of corporate and startup ecosystems, the skills&nbsp;developed, and the impact on Moon Creative Lab’s efforts in fostering entrepreneurial mindsets.<hr>&nbsp;<h3>Starting the Journey</h3>During my tenure at Mitsui Indonesia, due to Mitsui’s efforts in exploring collaboration and investment opportunities with startups in 2018-2019, I found myself deeply immersed in the startup ecosystem. One of the key milestones was proposing, initiating, and bringing to life a partnership with an accelerator from Japan that focused on supporting early-stage startups in Indonesia. This initiative became a platform for actively engaging with startups, including serving as a judge at pitch events. My team and I connected with over 120 startups, venture capitalists, incubators, and accelerators, forging strong relationships and immersing ourselves in Indonesia’s vibrant innovation ecosystem, the second-largest in Asia, second only to India.&nbsp;These interactions offered a front-row seat to the unfiltered passion of founders, their innovative ideas, and their relentless drive. However, it also exposed a harsh reality: many of these startups failed to survive, their dreams fading before they could fully take flight.Meanwhile, within Mitsui, I was surrounded by brilliant colleagues brimming with creative ideas. Yet, these ideas often remained untapped, disconnected from their organization's immediate business priorities. This disconnect was a missed opportunity, both for the individuals and for Mitsui.When Mitsui announced the establishment of Moon Creative Lab in 2018 to channel internal ideas into actionable ventures, I recognized it as the perfect solution to bridge this gap and was able to join Moon in 2021.Initially, Moon focused solely on ideas from Mitsui employees. While this aligned perfectly with my enthusiasm for unlocking internal potential, I quietly nurtured a dream that Moon would one day open its doors also to external startups. Little did I know that this vision would soon become a reality.&nbsp;<h3>Setting My Own Course at Moon</h3><img src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/image2_4b0f76b637.jpg" alt="image2.jpg">Joining Moon Creative Lab gave me the opportunity to blend my previous experiences with a larger purpose: empowering idea owners to turn bold ideas into reality. My role allowed me to contribute to an ecosystem where creativity meets execution, enabling individuals to navigate challenges, refine their ideas, and eventually build ventures with real-world impact.&nbsp;As Moon evolved to include external startups, my prior engagements with the innovation ecosystem became invaluable. Leveraging my network of startups, accelerators, and venture capitalists, I helped bring in diverse participants for Moon’s educational and incubation&nbsp;programs and workshops, which created a vibrant mix of perspectives and creativity and strengthened cross-border collaboration.&nbsp;At the same time, I maintained my role at&nbsp;Mitsui &amp; Co. (Asia Pacific). Balancing the corporate and startup worlds required constant adaptability, navigating structured processes while embracing the fast-paced, iterative nature of innovation. This unique dual perspective allowed me to bridge corporate strategy with entrepreneurial thinking, reinforcing the value of agility, cross-sector collaboration, and bold execution in driving meaningful change.&nbsp;While serving as the strategic planning PIC for several countries in Mitsui’s Asia Pacific region, I ensured ideas from Mitsui colleagues aligned with long-term goals. When ideas advanced from learning programs to incubation, we translated corporate objectives into actionable startup methodologies with Moon's expert support. Through this collaboration, we also learned from each other. I gained firsthand experience in the concrete, hands-on application of design thinking from Moon’s teams, embracing a true ‘learning by doing’ approach. At the same time, Moon’s teams deepened their understanding of corporate strategy, including how large organizations leverage their extensive networks, vast business portfolio, and structured decision-making processes to drive long-term growth and impact.&nbsp;<h3>Key Lessons from My Time at Moon</h3>My time at Moon has also equipped me with skills that transcend traditional corporate boundaries:<ul><li>Strategic networking: Engaging with over 300 startups, VCs, and founders and participating in events across Asia-Pacific provided me with the opportunity to foster collaboration, making connections between Mitsui and promising startups, incubators, accelerators, and VCs, and identifying new business opportunities.&nbsp;For instance, during the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum (AIPF) 2023, I connected with numerous startups, and brought them into our program. This led to exploratory discussions on potential collaborations, including pilot projects to test the startups’ solutions within Mitsui’s network. This was not a one-time occurrence. I consistently leveraged Mitsui's network and portfolio to expand our engagement beyond Moon’s programs, exploring potential collaborations. &nbsp;</li><li>Design thinking: Before joining Moon, I often jumped straight into ideas without fully understanding the real problems that customers faced, relying mostly on creativity and desk research. Through my experience at Moon, I learned to initiate new business creation by first identifying genuine pain points, ensuring solutions were rooted in real needs rather than assumptions. In my second year at Moon, one of the ideas I developed with a colleague followed this approach and was selected for Moon’s incubation program. I worked closely between the co-founder and Moon's team, revisiting the problems, conducting stakeholder interviews, refining solution concepts, and progressing through PoC and beyond. In addition to applying these principles, I spearheaded workshops to help teams refine ideas based on customer insights and brought Mitsui’s regional employees into Moon’s learning and incubation programs, immersing them in the design thinking process firsthand.&nbsp; &nbsp;</li><li>Cross-cultural collaboration: Managing initiatives with teams across 15 countries allowed me to collaborate with diverse groups of people from different backgrounds and regions, opening new perspectives and solutions. During my time at Mitsui Indonesia, my interactions with colleagues from other countries were mostly limited to emails and involved only a few countries. However, at Moon, while generating leads across 15 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, I had the opportunity to engage with them in person, especially through learning programs. This direct, first-hand interaction with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, languages, perspectives, and problem-solving approaches, greatly enriched my own outlook. It broadened my perspective, deepened my understanding of different ways of thinking, and ultimately helped me grow both personally and professionally, enhancing my inclusivity and openness.</li></ul>&nbsp;As mentioned above, I have learned a lot at Moon. However, in closing, I would like to share one of the most valuable lessons I learned during my time at Moon. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is the importance of starting with real problems before jumping to solutions. True innovation is not just about generating ideas. It is about deeply understanding unmet needs, iterating based on real-world insights, and identifying opportunities and solutions through continuous learning.Whether in a corporate setting or an entrepreneurial venture, the ability to challenge assumptions, engage stakeholders, and test ideas systematically makes all the difference. By embracing design thinking, strategic networking, and cross-cultural collaboration, we can bridge the gap between vision and execution, transforming abstract ideas into practical, validated solutions.&nbsp;<h3>Transformation Never Stops</h3>Equally important, this journey has connected me with an incredible network of forward-thinking colleagues, founders, and innovators who challenge assumptions, push boundaries, and bring diverse perspectives to solving problems. The relationships I have built along the way are not just part of my past. They will continue to shape how I approach new opportunities, collaborations, and challenges in the future.No matter where you are in your journey, the potential to create meaningful change is always in your hands. Take that first step, connect with the right people, and let the journey unfold.

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<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:25%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:2550/3300;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/Subaru_b6c53fccc0_1_c34176d9a0.png" alt="Subaru_b6c53fccc0 1.png" width="2550" height="3300"></figure>Author: Subaru is a design lead passionate about crafting impactful solutions through product design and research. Her versatile background spans visual, product, and branding design, with hands-on experience in eCommerce, logistics, and healthcare. Since joining Moon, she has embraced her curiosity and commitment to innovation to create designs that improve lives. Subaru’s professional interests center on design, product innovation, and aligning business strategy with creative solutions.<hr>I've had the opportunities of working with many people new to Design Thinking, and every time, it's been an exciting experience. Watching them unlock each phase of the process and seeing their "aha" moments always takes me back to when I first discovered Design Thinking. At first, it seemed like a complex methodology, but the more I practiced it, the more I realized it’s not some exclusive concept. It’s a way of thinking that anyone can master. In fact, once you get familiar with it, you’ll start seeing how naturally it fits into everyday life, making problem-solving more creative, engaging, and even fun.&nbsp;<h3>Design Thinking in Everyday Life</h3>When we hear "Design Thinking," we often associate it with business strategy or innovation — something structured and high-level. While it’s true that Design Thinking does involve a process, it can sometimes feel intimidating, making people hesitant to explore it.But in reality, it’s not just for business; it’s a mindset for solving everyday challenges, both big and small. You can apply Design Thinking to:<ul><li>Boost Personal Productivity (e.g., redesign your daily routine for better focus).</li><li>Improve Relationships &amp; Communication (e.g., try new approaches to make family conversations more open and meaningful).</li><li>Enhance Health &amp; Well-Being (e.g., experiment with different meal plans or fitness routines to find what works best).</li><li>Redesign Home Organization (e.g., create a more functional, clutter-free space).</li><li>Develop Career &amp; Learning Plans (e.g., strategize your next career move).</li></ul>With Design Thinking, you can tackle any challenge you're currently facing. The beauty of it is that it’s all about experimenting, learning, and improving, one small step at a time.&nbsp;<h3>Let’s Practice Together</h3>By applying Design Thinking — from organizing schedules to improving communication — small experiments can make life smoother and more enjoyable. The best part? The more you practice, the more naturally you'll start thinking like a designer.So, how do we apply Design Thinking in daily life? It starts with understanding the key phases:<ul><li>Empathize: Understand your own needs and those of others.</li><li>Define: Clearly identify the problem.</li><li>Ideate: Brainstorm creative solutions.</li><li>Prototype: Test small changes.</li><li>Test &amp; Iterate: Learn from feedback and refine your approach.</li></ul>Let us consider these as they apply to our daily lives. To illustrate that, I’d like to share a personal story.&nbsp;Applying Design Thinking: My Back Pain JourneyA few months ago, I started experiencing serious back pain. Since I’m still in my 30s, people kept telling me it was too early to be dealing with body pain. But I knew I had to address it before it became a long-term issue.&nbsp;Empathize &amp; Define: Understanding the ProblemI began by defining my problem and asking myself key questions:<ul><li>Is my mattress too soft?</li><li>Am I sitting too long at work?</li><li>Do I have poor posture?</li></ul>To get a better understanding, I visited a chiropractor near my neighborhood. After an assessment, I learned that my weak core muscles were making it difficult to maintain proper posture, which was worsening my back pain.&nbsp;Ideate: Brainstorming Possible SolutionsWith this insight, I started brainstorming ways to strengthen my core and relieve my pain. I wrote down ideas on sticky notes and stuck them to my door. After considering my options, I narrowed it down to three experiments to try over the next three months:<ol><li>Regular Chiropractic Visits: Commit to sessions, motivated by the opportunity to try a new café near the clinic.</li><li>Daily Yoga at Home: Self-learn yoga and treat myself to a piece of chocolate as a small reward.</li><li>Joining a Mini-Gym: Follow a structured exercise plan and gradually level up.</li></ol>&nbsp;Prototype &amp; Test: Trying Different ApproachesFor three months, I committed to testing these solutions. I tracked my progress, noted how I felt, and adjusted my routine as needed.At the end of the experiment, I reviewed my notes and found that my back pain had significantly improved after consistently going to the gym. I felt more refreshed, had more energy for work and social activities, and was motivated to continue leveling up my training goals.Iterate: The Journey ContinuesNow that I’ve seen progress, my next challenge is figuring out the best way to stay motivated and push my training goals further. My prototyping and testing are still ongoing.I’m continuously refining my approach to make sure I maintain a sustainable and effective health routine.&nbsp;<h3>Tips To Start Thinking Creatively Today</h3>After hearing my story, you might be wondering: how can I start my own Design Thinking project? The best way is to start small: pick one area of your life and run a fun, low-pressure experiment. The key is to stay open to failure and iteration. Remember, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s learning and improving along the way.If you’re unsure where to begin or feel hesitant to tackle it alone, try involving others! Co-creating solutions with family, friends, or colleagues can boost your confidence and make the process more enjoyable. You don’t have to do it all by yourself.So, are you ready to take on your first Design Thinking challenge?&nbsp;What small problem in your daily life could use a creative, design-driven solution?

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<img src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/Thumbnail_eureca_5bc27eedbe.png" alt="Thumbnail_eureca.png">This alumni interview features individuals who experienced in-house entrepreneurship through a secondment from Mitsui &amp; Co. to Moon Creative Lab. This time, we spoke with members of the Eureca team, who took on the challenge of creating a business to foster space-related talent. What did they learn from their startup journey at Moon?<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:25%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:270/316;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/naoya_profile_d6835b20ed.png" alt="naoya profile.png" width="270" height="316"></figure>Naoya Shiraishi: Joined Mitsui &amp; Co. in April 2022 and was assigned to the Mobility Business Unit I. He was involved in investment management of the U.S. truck leasing business and business creation leveraging that expertise. After his entrepreneurial journey at Moon, he returned to Mitsui and now works in the Light Vehicle Solutions Business Division, engaged in passenger car sales and new business development in North America.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:25%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:252/316;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/green_profile_47aba0d0a9.png" alt="green profile.png" width="252" height="316"></figure>Yasuhiro Hasegawa: Joined Mitsui &amp; Co. in April 2022 and was assigned to the HR &amp; General Affairs Division. He participated in the global HR system "Bloom" supporting career development for all group employees. After his secondment to Moon, he supported Moon venture CARRIUM on its HR team as an HR professional. He then transferred to the Integrated Digital Strategy Division. Currently, he supports IT/DX initiatives in the mobility sector, focusing on operational efficiency and new business creation. His lucky color is green.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:25%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:264/316;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/yorifuji_profile_049f99ff51.png" alt="yorifuji profile.png" width="264" height="316"></figure>Haruka Yorifuji: Joined Mitsui &amp; Co. in April 2022 and was assigned to the Retail Business Unit. She was involved in intermediate distribution and product export for domestic and international retailers. Unlike her peers, she did not transfer to Moon but dedicated 20% of her working hours to entrepreneurial activities. She also contributes to the global expansion of her current business.*The project name "Eureca" was modified from "Eureka" (already trademarked) by changing "k" to "c."Table of Contents<ul><li>Co-founding business as a trio</li><li>Fostering Space Talent</li><li>Curriculum receives favorable reviews</li><li>From zero to one: experiencing the entire business journey</li></ul><hr><h3>Co-founding business as a trio</h3>Before joining Mitsui, Naoya Shiraishi, Yasuhiro Hasegawa, and Haruka Yorifuji participated in the company’s internship program, working together on a recycling-themed business project within the Mineral &amp; Metal Resources Business Unit. Their team won the pitch contest, and after joining Mitsui, each member was assigned to a different department. Despite being in different business units, they continued to meet once a week to discuss ideas they could bring to Moon using their diverse backgrounds.Shiraishi, influenced by his engineer father and the manga “Space Brothers,” had a strong interest in technology and space. Hasegawa, raised by teacher parents and accustomed to peer learning with siblings, was passionate about education and talent development. Yorifuji was interested in consumer behavior and psychology, especially in tourism-related fields.Around February 2023, about a year after joining Mitsui, the trio applied to Moon’s ILLUMINATE idea competition. They were selected to join a Moon program that helps materialize business ideas through workshops. The issue they focused on: the shortage of talent in the space industry.&nbsp;<h3>Fostering space talent</h3>The space business market is projected to reach 1 trillion USD by 2040. While Japan has the potential to lead through manufacturing capabilities and geographic advantages, the lack of talent is a critical issue.The team proposed a STEAM-based education product aimed at fostering talent. Specifically, they developed an educational curriculum for middle and high school students, simulating satellite development. The long-term vision included actual satellite launches to promote space education.In August, the team joined Moon’s incubation program and the project was accepted. By October, Shiraishi and Hasegawa were seconded to Moon to focus fully on business creation. Yorifuji, whose departmental work aligned with her goals, participated concurrently, dedicating 20% of her working hours to the project.&nbsp;<h3>Curriculum receives favorable reviews</h3><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:720/405;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/image7_3962540e67.gif" alt="image7.gif" width="720" height="405"></figure>"The first day of our secondment was filled with welcome events, but from day two, the freedom left us a bit perplexed," recalls Shiraishi.While Moon experts provide support, the project direction is left to the idea owners. The team started by defining goals, gradually gaining momentum through discussions. For the prototype, Shiraishi and Hasegawa utilized their programming skills to develop the learning tool themselves.During user tests, despite setting prices ten times higher than the market average, they secured customers from domestic educational institutions eager to purchase the curriculum.The product was an intuitive web application that visually demonstrated satellite mechanisms through simulations. It addressed a clear need: while STEAM education was gaining traction, many teachers had never experienced it firsthand, leading to confusion about effective teaching methods.Teachers praised the program, saying, "Students could think independently, engage hands-on, and experience the journey from concept to social implementation. Most importantly, they genuinely enjoyed it."However, scaling the business presented challenges. The team explored expanding beyond educational institutions to university students and professionals through e-learning platforms and talent introduction services. Although student feedback was positive, the team couldn’t achieve the necessary growth for sustainability. Unfortunately, the project was discontinued in March 2024.&nbsp;<h3>From zero to one: experiencing the entire business journey</h3>The three founders reflect on their entrepreneurial journey: &nbsp;Shiraishi: "We handled everything ourselves—user interviews, product design, app and landing page development, and user testing. Experiencing entrepreneurship firsthand was invaluable. From Mitsui’s perspective, it was a unique opportunity to understand the investor-recipient dynamic."&nbsp;Hasegawa: "It was the first time I discussed financial projections with such clarity, like estimating the required funds ten years ahead. Listening to user feedback, confirming feasibility, and designing UI myself was incredibly fulfilling. Making our first sale through direct outreach was profoundly moving."&nbsp;Yorifuji: "Managing the entire business, not just a part of it, and focusing on user-driven value rather than company assets through design research was significant. I believe colleagues working in consumer sectors should also experience this."&nbsp;The common thread among the three was the joy of creating something from nothing and the invaluable experience of being involved in every aspect of the business.They also faced the challenges of working as a trio. While diverse interests broadened perspectives, they sometimes led to differing visions. Yorifuji, balancing her main corporate role and the Eureca project, found it challenging to keep pace with the rapid discussions of her seconded teammates and struggled to maintain a clear 80:20 work split.Reflecting on their experiences, they shared their future aspirations:<img src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/image8_7471c54df5.jpg" alt="image8.jpg">Shiraishi: “The methods I learned at Moon can be applied in various situations. The frameworks for visualizing ideas helped clarify what wasn’t fully understood within the team. Business creation is like mixed martial arts—you have to do everything and continuously learn what’s necessary. At the same time, it’s important to rely on others. In hindsight, I think I should’ve asked others for support more often. Since investment plays a crucial role in the space industry, I plan to gain experience in investment management at Mitsui &amp; Co. and return to the space sector when the time is right.”&nbsp;<img src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/image4_de5c981fc9.jpg" alt="image4.jpg">Hasegawa: “Business creation felt like clearly defining your purpose and strategically playing the cards of skills you already have. I also discovered new “cards” beyond my original technical expertise—for example, earning stakeholders’ trust, energizing team members, resilience in overcoming challenges, and effective communication with engineers. At Moon, I was amazed by the performance that emerged when people with different strengths worked seamlessly together. Moving forward, I want to leverage the unique skills and strengths I’ve gained through these challenges in my career.”&nbsp;<img src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/image2_432df8449a.jpg" alt="image2.jpg">Yorifuji: “The great thing about co-founding is the ability to complement each other’s strengths. Shiraishi and Hasegawa made significant contributions in technology and the space and education sectors, while I contributed from a marketing perspective, applying behavioral economics I studied at university. This challenge gave me a valuable sense of how I’m evaluated through my work and how much value I can create financially. The experiences gained will be useful not only for business creation at Mitsui &amp; Co. but also for future ventures at Moon and in a wide range of situations. Having the opportunity to pursue entrepreneurship while still being an employee is invaluable. I highly recommend participating in the workshops, even if that’s your starting point.”&nbsp;<hr>At Moon, we offer a variety of programs to support new business development. For learning programs, head to our website and check out <a href="https://www.mooncreativelab.com/learn?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=eureca+story2503&amp;utm_id=eureca+story2503">Learn</a>. For incubation programs, see <a href="https://www.mooncreativelab.com/build?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=eureca+story2503&amp;utm_id=eureca+story2503">Build</a>, and for growth programs, explore <a href="https://www.mooncreativelab.com/grow?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=eureca+story2503&amp;utm_id=eureca+story2503">Grow</a>. To receive the latest updates, consider registering as a <a href="https://www.mooncreativelab.com/connect?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=eureca+story2503&amp;utm_id=eureca+story2503">Moon Community Member</a>.Stay informed about the latest from startups working on business creation at Moon Creative Lab through the <a href="https://www.mooncreativelab.com/stories/page/1?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=eureca+story2503&amp;utm_id=eureca+story2503">Moon Stories Blog</a>. &nbsp;

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<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:25%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:2550/3300;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/Subaru_b6c53fccc0_1_c34176d9a0.png" alt="Subaru_b6c53fccc0 1.png" width="2550" height="3300"></figure>Author: Subaru is a design lead passionate about crafting impactful solutions through product design and research. Her versatile background spans visual, product, and branding design, with hands-on experience in eCommerce, logistics, and healthcare. Since joining Moon, she has embraced her curiosity and commitment to innovation to create designs that improve lives. Subaru’s professional interests center on design, product innovation, and aligning business strategy with creative solutions.<hr>We are living in the era of AI, where new models emerge almost daily, becoming more advanced and capable. For years, discussions around AI have been filled with both excitement and fear, especially when it comes to its impact on jobs. Designers, in particular, have played one of the center roles of this debate. With AI-powered tools like image generators in Photoshop and Figma’s AI suggesting UI layouts with just a prompt, some wonder: is there still room for designers to shine? &nbsp;The answer is a resounding yes. AI is not here to replace designers but to transform and enhance their role. Instead of fearing automation, designers should embrace what makes them truly valuable—creative thinking, the ability to solve human-centered problems and strategic thinking. To understand why, let’s take a look at how the role of designers has evolved over time and why AI is just the next chapter in this ongoing transformation.&nbsp;<h3>The Evolution of Designers' Roles</h3>Before we discuss the long-term value and sustainability of a design career, we must first understand the nature of a designer’s role.&nbsp;I asked ChatGPT to define it: &nbsp;“A designer is someone who creates and shapes ideas, products, or experiences to solve problems, communicate messages, or enhance functionality and aesthetics… A designer blends creativity, problem-solving, and technical skills to bring ideas to life in a way that is visually appealing, functional, and meaningful.” &nbsp;The essence of design has always been about creative thinking, problem-solving, and strategic thinking. A designer’s role is never fixed (we’re very lively!); it evolves alongside technology, business demands, and user expectations. AI is the latest force driving this transformation forward. In the past, designers specialized in distinct disciplines—graphic design, fashion design, interior design, industrial design, and more. They honed deep expertise in their craft, evolving from traditional handcrafting to digital workflows with the rise of tools like Photoshop and Illustrator. This marked the first major shift: the transition from physical to digital-first design.As businesses became increasingly digital, a second wave of transformation emerged. Designers expanded into UI design, collaborating closely with developers and marketers. Beyond aesthetics, they began shaping brand storytelling, emotional connections, and consistent user experiences across web, social media, and mobile platforms.With the explosion of mobile apps and SaaS platforms, design evolved yet again. UX and UI design became industry standards, and designers moved beyond visuals to focus on user-centered experiences, research, usability testing, and data-driven decision-making. Agile methodologies further reshaped their workflows, positioning designers as integral members of cross-functional teams. Now, as we enter the era of Industry 5.0, where human-machine collaboration takes center stage, designers are once again adapting. They are no longer just creating individual products but designing entire systems—design systems, service blueprints, and omnichannel experiences. AI is accelerating this shift, pushing designers toward new responsibilities such as problem definition, ethical considerations, and human-AI collaboration. The role is evolving from designing static products to shaping dynamic, intelligent experiences.&nbsp;<h3>So, What’s Next For Designers?</h3>How can designers carve out a meaningful place in this AI-driven world? The answer lies in embracing change, not resisting it. Designers have always adapted—whether it was the shift from handcrafting to digital tools or from visual design to user experience. Now, in the AI era, their role is evolving once again. Rather than being replaced, designers are becoming curators, strategists, and facilitators, leveraging AI to enhance their creative thinking, solve human-centered problems, and drive meaningful innovation through strategic thinking. With AI handling repetitive tasks and accelerating execution, designers have a golden opportunity to focus on what truly matters—crafting exceptional user experiences, shaping human-centered design, and thinking strategically. This is also the perfect moment to broaden their expertise, stepping into areas like business strategy, marketing, and systems thinking, where design plays a crucial role in shaping the future.AI is not an enemy; it’s a powerful ally. The essence of being a designer has never been about mastering a single tool or process—it’s about thinking creatively, problem-solving, and strategic thinking. Just as designers have evolved in the past, they will continue to do so now. The future belongs to those who are willing to embrace change, explore new possibilities, and redefine what it means to be a designer in the age of AI.So, the real question is: How will you design your future? &nbsp;

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<img src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/Thumbnail_Anna_facilitation_26b76935d9.png" alt="Thumbnail_Anna facilitation.png">The author of this blog: Anna Hiraoka. After joining Mitsui, she was involved in healthcare business investment projects in the Wellness Division, and was seconded to Moon Creative Lab (Moon) for two years from October 2018 to September 2020. After working on a healthcare startup at Moon, Anna returned to the Mitsui Wellness Division, then transferred to HR &amp; General Affairs Division promoting D&amp;I. Anna returned to Moon in 2023 and is currently a Senior L&amp;D specialist. She is a facilitator at many workshops held by Moon as part of their business creation program.<hr>Have you ever facilitated a meeting, seminar or workshop?For me, facilitation is the art of guiding and empowering participants to unleash their creativity.I have facilitated over 30 workshops in the past year and worked with over 500 participants from more than 10 different countries. Through this, I have learned tips for successful workshops and “key facilitation elements” that enhance the participant experience.&nbsp;<h3>1.Be the compass, not the captain</h3><img src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/image3_dd6aa2ab55.jpg" alt="image3.jpg">As a facilitator, your role is not to give solutions every step of the way, but to help participants navigate in the right direction. Think of it as you being the compass—the participant is the captain, making the decisions, while you offer guidance and food for thought. By letting them take the wheel, you empower them to own their journey and build confidence in their ability to embark on the journey without you being there to hold hands.&nbsp;Failure: The instinct to jump in and solve a problem can backfireIn a recent workshop, a participant was stuck figuring out who to interview to validate their problem statement. I gave them a list of potential people to talk to, and off they went. But when they came back, their insights didn’t hit the mark. While I had better candidates in mind, I decided to shift gears.Instead of handing them answers, I asked:&nbsp;“What kind of people do you think would have experience solving similar problems?”“What questions would help them share their stories?”&nbsp;Suddenly, the participant transformed from feeling stuck to leading the charge. They brainstormed personas, crafted thoughtful questions, and fully owned the process.The takeaway? Helping isn’t always about giving the answers. Sometimes, it’s about asking the right questions so participants can take the wheel and steer their own way to meaningful insights.&nbsp;Success: How an empathetic question sparked a transformation&nbsp;Given the importance of these questions, I believe that the key to facilitation lies in empathy and dialogue. In order to connect more deeply with participants, I first value a space where everyone can feel comfortable speaking up. To this end, it is extremely important to create an environment where people feel that there are no fixed answers.If participants feel that they are being listened to and being considered, it will open the door to their hearts and minds, and they will naturally feel the courage to take the next step forward.In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mooncreativelab.com/learn?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=CTA2503&amp;utm_id=storytelling+by+anna">Moon’s educational program</a>, I once asked a participant who was at a loss to define his challenge:&nbsp;“What feelings are you experiencing now that you have participated in the program?”“How do you feel now about the issues you set?”&nbsp;I tried to empathize with him and asked him questions that appealed to his emotions. He was surprised that I asked him questions about his feelings rather than the results, but this seemed to open him up to actively seeking new directions, including setting up a mentoring session with me.Then, when we had finished defining the issues and had progressed about 70% of the way through the workshop, he approached me with this concern:&nbsp;“I am sorry. I just can't get passionate about the issue I'm facing right now, and I want to start over from the beginning.”I answered, “Thank you for your honesty. Please don't apologize. Let's explore together a problem you can be passionate about!”&nbsp;This switch sparked his mind again. He then redid his assignment selection from scratch at great speed, and ran all the way to the end of the program with confidence, eventually achieving results that made him one of the top performers.<img src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/image1_becacf70da.jpg" alt="image1.jpg">The fact that people felt they could turn back, even in the second half of the workshop, was the result of sharing a safe space where everyone is encouraged to speak up, knowing that there are no “right” or “wrong” answers.He thanked me for having an emotional dialogue with him. I still keep in touch with him, and each time I am reminded of the power of empathy.I believe that every word spoken in empathy, whether through question or dialog, has the power to light up a participant’s eyes with a kind of magic.&nbsp;<h3>2.Playful staging and props create an extraordinary experience</h3><img src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/image2_4986fd3e9a.jpg" alt="image2.jpg">So far, we have introduced the role of the facilitator in a workshop and how the power of empathy and questioning can affect the motivation of participants. But of course, the specific content of the workshop also has a significant impact on the outcome.One of the most important things we want to emphasize is the need for a playful twist. We want to include playful elements to relax participants and allow their creativity to flourish.Tactile and creative activities are sure to stimulate a brain that is exhausted from the daily grind. Toy blocks, storyboards with rough drawings, and prototypes made with sticky notes and stickers are just a few effective examples. Playful work is more than just fun; it can be relaxing and create a psychological state in which participants' creativity can flourish. It is all about creating an environment for thinking outside the box.Especially in workshops that require long hours of program work, playful direction and methods are very important as a motivational agent to keep the participants engaged until the end of the workshop.&nbsp;&nbsp;Handmade checks make the final pitchI recently led a workshop designed to build a business pitch, starting with defining a problem, including solutions and market-entry strategies. The workshop involved several days of learning programs to flesh out the ideas, and ended with a pitch on the last day to present the business idea.As the workshop, which had been running for two full days, was nearing its end and the participants were approaching their physical limits, I decided to incorporate a simple activity to liven up the event for the final conclusion.<img src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/image4_f95cecf870.png" alt="image4.png">I created a handmade “check” to print out and give to the participants, asking them to play the role of “angel investors.” In this new role, they had to decide which team deserved the investment.From that moment on, the atmosphere brightened dramatically. Participants leaned forward to ask questions of the presenters, and a heated discussion began about which ideas had the most potential. At the end of the event, a mini-awards ceremony was held based on the tally results, and the winner was presented with a giant “check.”The scene-stealing performance with simple props transformed participants’ tired faces into enthusiastic smiles, making the pitch the highlight of the day.&nbsp;The reversal of positions made the workshop an extraordinary experienceThe reason why this performance drastically changed the atmosphere of the event might be because it reversed the participants' positions from “evaluation recipients” to “evaluation givers” by giving them new roles. Perhaps that was the magic factor that made the workshop an extraordinary experience.In any case, it is obvious that there is a huge difference in experience between understanding an idea in your mind and actually being able to see and touch it. Imagine yourself standing at an award presentation with a large check in your hand. Wouldn't you feel uplifted by that?Try to create an extraordinary experience by using props that you can actually touch. If possible, include a reversal of positions. Such small changes may create unexpected results in the participants' workshop experience.For me, facilitation is more than a skill. It is an art, including its mindset. I hope, through learning from my own failures and successes, these facilitation techniques help you provide a memorable, impactful participant experience.<hr>Text・Anna Hiraoka Senior L&amp;D Specialist at Moon&nbsp;Moon Creative Lab offers several programs to support startups. If you are interested in transforming your own business idea and growth, please check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mooncreativelab.com/?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=CTA2503&amp;utm_id=storytelling+by+anna">top page</a>.

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