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About

<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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Congratulations to Moon venture, <a href="https://www.variloom.com/">Variloom</a>, for winning the <a href="https://www.ispo.com/en/promotion/ispo-award-winner-rip-curl-mirage-3d-boardshort">ISPO 2024 Award</a>! Every year, the ISPO award honors outstanding products in the sporting goods industry — past recipients include North Face, Kathmandu, Arc'teryx, and Puma. Variloom, along with Rip Curl and Bilio, has received this year’s award for the creation of the Mirage3DP Boardshort, which integrates 3D printing technology and sustainable materials into an innovative boardshort that sets a new standard for comfort, durability, and eco-friendly design. &nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:512/341;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/ISPO_award_e469d5f881.jpg" alt="ISPO award.jpg" width="512" height="341"><figcaption>From left: Danit Peleg (3D Printed Fashion Designer), Bethany Meuleners (Senior Product Development Lead, Moon), Milan Thompson (Global Head of Product Innovation &amp; Sustainability, Rip Curl), Kaichi Yokoyama (CEO, Moon), Billy Smith (Founder &amp; CEO, Bilio)</figcaption></figure>Using Variloom’s filament and 3D printing technology, the Mirage3DP boardshorts feature a 3D waistband for stability in the water, integrated panels for fit and ventilation, and a recyclable blend of bio-based TPU and wool for comfort and durability. “Winning the ISPO award for our innovations in sustainable 3DP material, production, and design is an amazing honor, and we could not be more pleased to receive this recognition with our partners Rip Curl and Bilio,” said Kaichi Yokoyama, Chief Executive Officer, Moon Creative Lab. “The Mirage3DP Boardshort made with Variloom’s 3D-printable materials is breaking ground for unrivaled comfort, resilience, fit, and performance. We will continue to work closely with Rip Curl to give customers completely on-demand, customizable, and 100% 3D printed and circular products made from sustainable materials.”&nbsp;<img src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/Mirage3dp_shorts_c37d33954b.png" alt="Mirage3dp shorts.png">In addition to its innovative filament, Variloom is further transforming the fashion industry by creating new systems and processes to bring production closer to the consumer and make circularity a reality. The patent-pending 3DP filament and print system balances softness, stretch, and adaptable performance by utilizing bio-based TPU with carefully selected natural additives and fibers. Variloom’s 3D printing technology will offer on-demand, on-site, print-to-shape 3D fabrication that exponentially reduces production waste, lead times, product inventory, and dependence on offshore manufacturing by bringing customizable production closer to consumers.To close the loop and improve circularity for a product’s end of life, goods made with the Variloom filament can easily be returned and recycled.&nbsp;<img src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/MIRAGE_3_DP_INT_EXT_2_76bd96cf7c.png" alt="MIRAGE3DP_INT_EXT 2.png">“Our Variloom patents cover a number of ways to produce 3D printed textiles that are flexible, soft to the touch, and wearable with adaptable performance,” said Bethany Meuleners, venture lead, Sustainable Fashion, Moon Creative Lab. “The ISPO Award is a tremendous recognition of the work Moon, Rip Curl, and Bilio are doing in the area of sustainable and high-performance apparel and materials. We will be continuing to improve our capabilities and speed in our processes through innovations in revolutionary machinery to create and fully recycle these fabrics.”See Bethany talk more about Variloom in <a href="https://youtu.be/uMI13osJArI?si=qb5Ck69bIHbXbTjg">this video</a> and look out for the Mirage3DP boardshort, available in 2026.&nbsp;About Variloom Variloom is transforming the fashion industry by creating new systems and processes to bring production closer to the consumer and make circularity a reality. Variloom’s patent pending 3DP filament and print system balances softness, stretch and adaptable performance by utilizing bio-based TPU with carefully selected natural additives and fibers. The future of Variloom and 3D printing in soft goods offers on-demand, on-site, print-to-shape 3D fabrication that exponentially reduces production waste, lead times, product inventory, and dependence on offshore manufacturing by bringing customizable production closer to the consumer. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.variloom.com">www.variloom.com</a>.

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<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:800/534;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/54123221287_a09013fbf4_c_6bd4f768e7.jpg" alt="54123221287_a09013fbf4_c.jpg" width="800" height="534"><figcaption>Photo courtesy of @design.bayarea and RVSF.co @rvsf.inc.</figcaption></figure>In October, Moon Creative Lab hosted&nbsp;<a href="https://designpaloalto.org/about/">Design Palo Alto</a> — a series of events for industry professionals focused on Innovation, Architecture, Tech, Startups, Ventures, Art, and more. The multiday series took place across various locations in Palo Alto and Stanford, California, featuring panel discussions, presentations, and tours of studios and homes.&nbsp;&nbsp;The event, held at Moon’s Palo Alto studio, kicked off with a thought-provoking discussion on "Design Meets Venture Capital," featuring Bill Burnett, Executive Director of the Life Design Lab at Stanford and co-author of the New York Times bestseller,&nbsp;Designing Your Life, alongside Tara Tan from Strange Ventures. They explored the evolving interplay between design, innovation, and investment, sharing insights from their extensive experiences with founders, tech giants, and investors over the years. “Their reflections brought in a diverse audience we were grateful for,” shared Peter Antonelli, Moon’s Global Head of Design. “The audience was very engaged, and we made a lot of great new connections!”&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:800/534;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/54123221722_845083edc5_c_307cbd082a.jpg" alt="54123221722_845083edc5_c.jpg" width="800" height="534"><figcaption>Photo courtesy of @design.bayarea and RVSF.co @rvsf.inc.</figcaption></figure>Following “Design Meets Venture Capital,” Peter presented&nbsp;<a href="https://designpaloalto.org/event/adaptive-by-design/">Adaptive by Design</a>, where he discussed Moon's human-centered design philosophy and how it shapes the products, services, and experiences we develop. “At Moon, design and entrepreneurship are highly symbiotic. Particularly with our early founders, design helps unlock emergent ideas by translating them into tangible, user-facing provocations, which in turn helps shape the path forward. Conversely, entrepreneurs often bring a holistic perspective that provides the essential constraints for design to thrive,” he says.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:800/534;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/54123220167_d50047981f_c_06e447830e.jpg" alt="54123220167_d50047981f_c.jpg" width="800" height="534"><figcaption>Photo courtesy of @design.bayarea and RVSF.co @rvsf.inc.</figcaption></figure>Moon’s Chief Creative Officer, Mike Peng, then took the stage to elaborate on how we apply design in diverse ways to unlock value within Moon and in collaboration with founders. “Design to me is all about intention. It's about taking the time to think through what experience you want people to have and then executing it to the best of your ability," Mike says. "Whether it's our space, our programs, or how we communicate to the world, we want to make sure it feels very Moon — and that's why design is so important to all of us."&nbsp;This insightful event allowed us to engage deeply with the design community and offer them a sneak peek of Moon’s innovative projects. “Hosting events like Design Palo Alto lets us share Moon’s culture and initiate new conversations, opening doors to valuable future collaborations,” Peter explains.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:800/534;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/54124067071_c199a43a7b_c_443918dd52.jpg" alt="54124067071_c199a43a7b_c.jpg" width="800" height="534"><figcaption>Photo courtesy of @design.bayarea and RVSF.co @rvsf.inc.</figcaption></figure>New collaborations and connections are a current focus of Moon Creative Lab, particularly for our new incubation program, Moon In-Residence. “One of our main goals is to bring even more creative energy to our Palo Alto studio through our Moon In–Residence program, which is designed to help entrepreneurs push their ventures to the next level,” Peter adds. With industry events like this one, Moon aims to bring the entrepreneur and startup communities together to create meaningful interactions that inspire creativity, diverse perspectives, and innovation.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:800/534;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/54124523425_af3402bed1_c_45df758931.jpg" alt="54124523425_af3402bed1_c.jpg" width="800" height="534"><figcaption>Photo courtesy of @design.bayarea and RVSF.co @rvsf.inc.</figcaption></figure>To learn more about Moon’s In-Residence program and how you can get hands-on help and support for your venture,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mooncreativelab.com/in-residence">check out our website</a>.If you’d like to collaborate and host an event or workshop with Moon, reach out to us with <a href="https://share.hsforms.com/1u98RYOcPTfefjoRhgX-xewcxaid">this form</a>.&nbsp;

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<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:2550/3300;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/havier_blog_b6c53fccc0.jpg" alt="havier-blog.jpg" width="2550" height="3300"></figure>Author: Javier Mata is a workshop designer and facilitator specializing in learning development and instructional design. With extensive experience creating both in-person and digital content for HRD and MBA programs, he also led a team developing digital content for a business microlearning platform within the corporate arm of a leading organization known for its MBA programs, corporate education, and venture capital initiatives. Passionate about fostering growth and innovation, he engages participants at Moon through dynamic, hands-on learning experiences that drive real-world impact. His interests lie in business innovation, design, and strategy.<hr>“Are you a Monday person or a Friday person?”That was a question posed by Dr. Paris de L’Etraz, Managing Director of the Venture Lab at IE Business School, during my MBA. He explained that Monday people leap out of bed, excited to take on the week, while Friday people count down the days until the weekend. That question stuck with me.Over time, as I worked with entrepreneurs and innovators, I found myself shifting from a Friday person to a Monday person. What made the difference? It was ikigai—the Japanese concept of finding your “reason for being.” During my MBA, we focused a lot on frameworks like ikigai. I discovered in the process that my mission lies in designing impactful learning experiences for entrepreneurs in Japan and beyond.For early-stage entrepreneurs,&nbsp;ikigai isn’t just about personal fulfillment—it’s a practical tool for identifying meaningful problems to solve. Let’s explore how ikigai can guide your entrepreneurial journey and help you focus on challenges that truly matter.&nbsp;<h3>The Cultural Roots of Ikigai: More Than Just Unicorn Chasing</h3>In Japan, ikigai isn’t about becoming a billionaire overnight chasing the next unicorn. It’s more about finding the balance between the small, everyday joys and your contributions to society. Think of it as the antidote to burnout: you’re still hustling, but with heart and soul, not just caffeine and all-nighters.In the West, ikigai often gets hyped up as the “one true purpose” you must find, as if you’re on a treasure hunt for a magical career. Spoiler alert: it’s not that dramatic. The Japanese approach is much more grounded—about gradually integrating joy, purpose, and responsibility. Understanding this makes ikigai way more approachable, especially for entrepreneurs who might feel the weight of building the “perfect” business. Spoiler #2: there’s no perfect, just progress.&nbsp;<h3>Case Studies:&nbsp;</h3>To see how ikigai can play out in real life, we can look at two entrepreneurs who built meaningful businesses rooted in purpose.Yvon Chouinard, Founder of Patagonia – Where Passion Meets Profit<figure class="image image-style-side image_resized" style="width:25%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:400/580;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/Ivon_36795d64c9.jpg" alt="Ivon.jpg" width="400" height="580"><figcaption><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Yvon_Chouinard_by_Tom_Frost.jpg">A photo of Yvon Chouinard by Tom Frost</a></figcaption></figure>Yvon Chouinard didn’t start Patagonia with dollar signs in his eyes. He just wanted to make rock-climbing gear that wouldn’t fall apart. His love for nature and talent for crafting quality outdoor products guided him. The profits? They came second. By staying true to his values, Patagonia evolved into a pioneer in sustainable business.Chouinard didn’t just build a brand—he reshaped consumerism. Patagonia’s “Don’t Buy This Jacket” campaign didn’t push products; it pushed a mindset centered on purpose and environmental activism. By finding the sweet spot where passion, profit, and societal impact meet, Chouinard embodied ikigai—and changed the game.&nbsp;Yoshiharu Hoshino, CEO of Hoshino Resorts – Tradition Meets Innovation<figure class="image image-style-side image_resized" style="width:25%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/1200;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/Hoshino_56e54f93d5.jpeg" alt="Hoshino.jpeg" width="1200" height="1200"><figcaption><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Yoshiharu_Hoshino.JPG">A photo of Yoshiharu Hoshino</a></figcaption></figure>Yoshiharu Hoshino didn’t just inherit a family business—he transformed it in a fiercely competitive market. As global hotel chains poured into Japan, reshaping the hospitality industry with foreign investment, Hoshino faced a challenge: how to preserve Japanese culture while competing with these international brands. Instead of following the foreign model, he doubled down on Japan’s rich traditions, evolving his family’s century-old hot spring resort into a globally recognized luxury brand.His approach wasn’t about resisting change but about weaving innovation into the fabric of tradition. By embracing modern travelers’ needs without losing sight of Japan’s cultural heritage, Hoshino not only survived but thrived. His journey is an embodiment of ikigai—where passion, skill, and purpose align to create something meaningful and sustainable, even in the face of fierce competition.&nbsp;<h3>Using Ikigai to Find the Right Problem for Your Startup</h3><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:600/600;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/Diagramo_de_Ikigajo_en_svg_e0f6855683.png" alt="Diagramo_de_Ikigajo_-en.svg.png" width="600" height="600"><figcaption><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Diagramo_de_Ikigajo_-en.svg">Image of finding the IKIGAI by Eugenio Hansen, OFS</a></figcaption></figure>Ikigai isn’t just about personal fulfillment; it can be used as a roadmap for identifying business problems worth solving. By breaking down four key elements—Passion, Profession, Mission, and Vocation—you can spot a problem that resonates with you and has real market potential.&nbsp; Let’s break it down:&nbsp;<h4>1. What You Love (Passion)</h4>Passion is what keeps you going when things get tough—and trust me, they will get tough. The more you care about the problem, the more likely you are to stay motivated.What you can do: Make a list of industries, causes, or issues that get you fired up. Love technology? Maybe dive into problems in AI, privacy, or digital ethics. Passionate about sustainability? You could consider gaps in renewable energy or waste management. Focus on problems you’d be excited to tackle every day—because if you’re not motivated, you’ll probably move on to something else the second things get hard.<h4>2. What You’re Good At (Profession)</h4>Passion’s great, but solving problems requires expertise. Enthusiasm alone won’t get the job done—you need the skills to make it happen.What you can do: Map out your core competencies. If you’re a data whiz, maybe there’s an opportunity in analytics or finance. If you’re a designer, you could consider solving problems in usability or innovation. Match the problem to your skills,&nbsp;so you’re not just offering ideas but real, workable solutions.<h4>3. What the World Needs (Mission)</h4>A great problem is one the world is practically begging for a solution to. Being passionate and skilled is fantastic, but if the problem isn’t relevant, it’s going nowhere.What you can do: Talk to potential users and uncover their biggest frustrations. What gaps do they see? If people are saying, “Yes, please fix this,” you’re on the right track. Focus on problems with a clear demand for change.&nbsp;The more urgent the need, the more likely a solution will succeed.<h4>4. What You Can Be Paid For (Vocation)</h4>Lastly, if no one is willing to pay for your solution, it’s a hobby, not a business. You need a clear path to monetization..What you can do: Look into the market—are customers willing to pay for a solution? Is there a growing need? Whether through subscriptions, one-time purchases, or services, it needs to make money. Focus on problems that not only resonate with your skills and passion but also have a clear path to revenue.&nbsp;<h3>Conclusion: Using Ikigai to Find the Right Problem</h3>The ikigai framework isn’t just a tool for personal fulfillment; it can be a strategic method for finding meaningful, solvable problems that have real market demand. As you embark on this journey, remember that aligning your work with your purpose will sustain you through the ups and downs, helping you stay grounded in what truly matters.So, what are you waiting for? The world—and your next great business idea—are waiting for your ikigai to emerge.<hr> 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=CTA241023&amp;utm_id=storytelling+by+javier">top page</a>.

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<figure class="media"><oembed url="https://vimeo.com/962799539?share=copy"></oembed></figure>A panel discussion event "Nordic Talks" was held on Tuesday, June 11 at Moon Tokyo Studio. 60+ people from the startup community gathered to discuss how to increase startup success with a large audience of 150+ people watching online via Zoom.&nbsp;Pitch event organizers, VCs, and entrepreneurs shared their experiences and prospects from a variety of perspectives. The entire event was recorded, and you can watch the archive on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfuR0u4pmDY">YouTube</a>.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1600/820;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/DSCF_7329_1_1_e7c9c68387.jpg" alt="DSCF7329 1 (1).jpg" width="1600" height="820"><figcaption>From left to right: Niklas Karvonen, Antti Sonninen, Tobias Mathiasen, Amina Sugimoto, Shintaro Ishida.</figcaption></figure>Speakers included Niklas Karvonen (Community Director, Nordic Innovation House Tokyo), Antti Sonninen (Co-founder and CEO, Takeoff Tokyo), Tobias Mathiasen (Founding Partner, SKB.vc), Amina Sugimoto (Public Health Phd, CEO of fermata KK), and Shintaro Ishida (COO of Uninomics KK). In addition, many participants, including guests from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), discussed and exchanged opinions on Tokyo's startup environment. &nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1600/818;" src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/DSCF_0607_1_b3931b7f7f.jpg" alt="DSCF0607 1.jpg" width="1600" height="818"><figcaption>At the center in this photo: Yuki Obata (Moon Creative Lab), founder of ISSHO, a Work Tech SaaS tool that visualizes each person's valuable contributions, asked about the expectations and ideals for the startup environment 10 years from now.</figcaption></figure>“We believe that the Nordic startup infrastructure and the Japanese ambition are a match made in heaven." said Reetta Purontakanen, Press Counselor, Finnish Embassy in Tokyo. The discussion heated up, focusing on how the startup environment in Japan has improved so far, and the differences between the global and Tokyo startup environment in terms of the relationship between investors and entrepreneurs. The importance of direct support for seed and early-stage startups when considering global expansion was also a focus of attention.<hr>Moon Creative Lab also hosts many other events. Please check our <a href="https://www.mooncreativelab.com/ja/stories/page/1">Moon Stories Blog</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/moon-creative-lab/">Official LinkedIn Account</a> for latest news!

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Key learnings:<ol><li>Human-centered solutions to a critical problem</li><li>Building stronger communication and support</li><li>A solution supporting key users’ needs&nbsp;</li></ol>&nbsp;The recent pandemic put a strain on all of us, but especially on those who needed hospital care even before the COVID virus became prominent. Patients who required continuous care after a hospital stay suffered as medical facility shutdowns and restrictions increased. And without that kind of in-person support, patients grew more and more isolated as conditions remained. The healthcare sector became progressively understaffed, making it challenging for healthcare workers to maintain a proper work-life balance.&nbsp;The team behind Tomopiia recognized this problem and wondered, “How can we support patients online?"Junichiro Shigemura pitched his venture idea to Moon Creative Lab: a platform that helps patients with chronic illnesses track their care and communicate directly with nurses. The platform, which he named&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tomopiia.com/">Tomopiia</a>, provides a new form of communication inspired by the needs of both nurses and patients.<h3>There aren’t enough hours in the day to handle each patient individually&nbsp;</h3>Improving patients’ quality of life is a nurse’s true purpose. As some of the closest healthcare professionals to patients,&nbsp;nurses can often become optimistic cheerleaders, giving patients hope in dark and despairing times.&nbsp;Unfortunately, the pandemic caused hospitals to hit an all-time high with patients filling more hospital beds than ever before. Rather than taking time with each patient to make sure their physical and emotional needs were met, the focus shifted to treating and discharging patients as quickly as possible.&nbsp;Because of these new conditions, an increasing number of nurses started to leave the healthcare field, overwhelmed by their everyday tasks. It became more and more difficult for nurses to find enough hours in the day to thoughtfully care for each patient and still maintain their own lives outside of the hospital.&nbsp;Seeing all of these changes for both patients and nurses, Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) Junichiro Shigemura knew he had to create something that could dramatically improve the lives of both parties.&nbsp;<h3>Tomopiia creates dialogue between patients and nurses&nbsp;</h3>Shigemura set out to create a platform where patients can communicate directly with nurses anytime, anywhere. Many issues can be solved through remote communication, allowing patients to get the care and information they need without the hassles and obstacles of going to the hospital in person.In fact, patients who share their concerns with their nurse actually find that the communication helps them better express their thoughts and feelings. Through user feedback, the Tomopiia team found that some patients tell nurses things they had never told their doctor, family, or even friends. Opening up to a nurse can give patients peace of mind and build a trusted line of communication and mental support.&nbsp;This new form of interacting with patients also allows more flexibility for nurses and the ways in which they provide care, allowing the opportunity for better work-life balance.&nbsp;<img src="https://moon-website-prod-images.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/tomopiia_blog2_a03d61aa60.jpg" alt="tomopiia blog2.jpg"><h3>Engaging patients with communication&nbsp;</h3>At its start, Tomopiia’s intention was to support patient independence and improve their quality of life through better medical guidance. But through a series of conversations and open dialogue, Shigemura realized that it was the communication line itself that engaged potential users.&nbsp;"One patient told me, 'I realized my true feelings by speaking up for myself.’ That's when I realized the importance of listening to what the patient wants to say rather than asking what they needed to know.&nbsp;It meant a lot to the patients that the nurses were the ones listening to them from a comfortable distance."&nbsp;As a result, Tomopiia’s goal and purpose has shifted to focusing more on closer and more direct communication between patients and medical professionals rather than knowledge and consultation.<h3>Expanded opportunities for nurses to play an active role</h3>Tomopiia's aim is to create a platform that supports patients, creating an environment where each patient feels valued – something that can be hard to do with existing medical practices. Additionally, the intent of Tomopiia is to create an environment that enables nurses to provide enhanced levels of care and communication.In the future, Tomopiia plans to collaborate with local governments, companies, and hospitals that share the mission of improving the quality, efficiency, and accessibility of medical care. Shigemura expressed, "I would like to contribute to both the psychological care of patients and the expansion of opportunities for nurses to play an active role.”&nbsp;For&nbsp; the latest information about Tomopiia, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tomopiia.com/">Tomopiia's official website</a>.

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