Instantly Propose the Perfect Gift

[1] Japan's First! What is the Birthday Comprehensive Platform 'meechoo'?
■ Background of Implementation
While "gift EC sites" already exist in abundance, these services have only been able to approach customers who have already decided they want to "choose a birthday present." The business opportunity was identified in the fact that they were missing out on many "potential customers" who exist in the situation of "celebrating or giving birthday gifts," leading to its creation.

■ What is the Birthday Comprehensive Platform 'meechoo'?
Conceived based on the background above, the aim is to be Japan's first (※1) "birthday comprehensive platform" offering all ideas related to "birthdays," operating on a free membership system (with some paid plans planned). By providing it as a comprehensive platform, it becomes possible to approach the market not as isolated points but as a whole, which is the key differentiator from other gift EC sites.
※1: Japan's first platform with "birthdays" as its theme.


[2] Over 500 Companies Featured! Over 1,500 Products Registered! What's Next?
We will continue to implement various content and services with "birthdays" as the focus, and through repeated trial and error, we aim to become Japan's first and foremost "birthday comprehensive platform."

We aim to promote the act of celebrating "birthdays," leading to an "increase in opportunities and frequency of celebration" and the "creation of a culture that makes it easier and more desirable to celebrate." We want to update birthday culture and create a future where more people can enjoy life more than they do now. Several projects are planned for release within the next few years, so please look forward to them.


[3] Packed with Information to Help You "Celebrate" Birthdays! Introducing Highlights of the Renewal
(1) Launched in August 2019 as the first initiative, "Gifting Entertainment Media"
'meechoo,' which began service in August 2019, aimed to boost motivation for "choosing gifts" through "enjoyable experiences" as its first initiative. It provided two experiences (fortune-telling selection, intuitive selection) and offered an assist service to make gift selection fun, allowing users to choose gifts while their desire to "celebrate" is high.

(2) In July 2020, "Article Content" began to be offered as the second initiative!
As the second initiative towards becoming a "birthday comprehensive platform," we started offering article content that provides various ideas for "celebrating and giving birthday gifts." Additionally, at the time of renewal, aiming to improve usability, the platform has been upgraded to be viewable not only on smartphones but also on computer screens.

＜Highlights of the Renewal＞
［A］ "Article Content" Packed with Birthday Ideas
Dedicated writers provide content from an angle that makes readers "want to celebrate and give more," covering not only those struggling with birthday presents but also ideas for birthday meals, wrapping, and party decorations.

［B］ Gift Matching Experience Feature "Ask the Crystal Ball"
When choosing a birthday present, do you ever get so overwhelmed you can't decide? The "meechoo" service site features carefully selected, exceptional gifts that buyers themselves would "want to talk about and give." "Ask the Crystal Ball" is a feature that instantly suggests the perfect gift for you.

(3) Background and Thoughts Behind the Renewal of the Site and Logo Design
【Thoughts Behind the New Logo Design】
The motif of four colored gift boxes is intended to intuitively convey that this is a service dealing with gifts. At the top left, a birthday candle flame is added as a symbol of Meechoo's mission, "Creating '+1' Excitement." A gap is created between the four shapes to reveal the "+" of "+1" excitement, symbolizing the "+" sign.

【Thoughts Behind the New Site Design】
The design of the first initiative was heavily skewed towards "entertainment." With the release of the second initiative, we aimed to fuse "trustworthiness (presence of good products and information)" with "entertainment (making gift selection exciting)." The overall framework is "simple and clean," while the content within creates a "visual richness and lively atmosphere," carefully designed to convey a sense of trust alongside a cheerful ambiance.

[4] Changes in Awareness Regarding "Birthdays" Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
With new infections in Tokyo exceeding 200 daily after the declaration of a state of emergency, and fears of a second wave, a survey on "Changes in Awareness Regarding 'Birthdays' Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic" was conducted. The results showed that approximately 65% of those who had birthdays during the COVID-19 pandemic responded that celebrating or being celebrated on a birthday felt important for maintaining "bonds" with family and friends living apart.

Furthermore, regardless of the pandemic, about 40% of people have experienced stress when "choosing birthday presents." The most common reason for stress, cited by about 80%, was "not knowing what to give," followed by "too many choices and selection methods" at about 40%.

Regarding concerns about "how to celebrate birthdays" during the pandemic, it was found that people were concerned about "not being able to choose gifts in person" and "not being able to hand them over directly." Other concerns, regardless of the pandemic, included "not knowing the other person's tastes and preferences," with many people wanting to surprise the recipient but feeling anxious about "whether it's something the recipient actually wants."

The renewed "meechoo," Japan's first birthday comprehensive platform, will address birthdays in the new normal era from all angles.

【Survey Overview】
・Target Audience: Men and women aged 20-49 residing in Tokyo, born between March and June.
・Survey Method: Internet questionnaire survey
・Survey Period: Wednesday, July 8, 2020 - Thursday, July 9, 2020
・Valid Responses: 100 (Equal gender ratio)

[5] Thoughts from Taishi Fujikawa, Representative Director of kiCk Inc.
The COVID-19 pandemic, with concerns about a second wave, is not only causing economic damage but also impacting people's minds, leading to terms like "corona depression" due to anxiety about the future and feelings of isolation. It is precisely in such times that we want to re-examine the value of something as seemingly ordinary as a "birthday" through this service and elevate it into something that allows people to be more positive and enjoy themselves more.

I personally enjoy "celebrating birthdays." In the midst of individual lives filled with work, studies, and household chores, the moment of a "birthday" transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary for both the giver and the receiver, naturally bringing smiles and a calm atmosphere. At our company, the culture of celebration has continued since our founding, and even amidst this pandemic, we continue to celebrate and enjoy our colleagues' birthdays in various forms, adapting to the circumstances.

I believe birthdays are a wonderful and special occasion that "brings people closer emotionally." At "meechoo," which our company provides, we aim to grow into a "birthday comprehensive platform" that gathers all ideas and tools for celebrating birthdays in the future. Through the realization of this service, we aim to create a society where people find it easier and more desirable to celebrate birthdays.

Please look forward to our company's future initiatives to enrich life.


[6] Company Profile
Company Name: kiCk Inc.
Head Office Location: 6F TanakaKoma Bldg., 8-5-32 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052
Date Established: June 2013
Representative Director: Taishi Fujikawa
Number of Employees: 60

【Business Activities】
Communication Planning / Creative Planning / Production & Direction / Campaign Planning / Product Planning & Development / Production / Talent Casting / Advertising Agency Business / Entertainment Content Development & Operation

【Clients】
Sunstar Inc. / Asahi Kasei Homes Corporation / Adidas Japan K.K. / Bacardi Japan Ltd. / L'Occitane Japon K.K. / DIP Corporation / Akita Shoten Co., Ltd. / Yuraku Confectionery Co., Ltd. / Others (in no particular order, excerpt)

【Company Features】
We are “ Hybrid Creative Company ”
A creative company possessing both production and creative functions, capable of comprehensively developing and supporting communication strategies that lead to sales, from strategic planning to detailed output production, tailored to marketing challenges. We provide solutions from various angles through specialists in each domain, including marketing strategy, movies, graphics, digital, and media.