The “After School Productization Project” Unveiled
This project is more than just a product launch; it’s a creative journey where the influencers, renowned for their dynamic presence at ChouJuDai events, are empowered to bring their Z-generation sensibilities to the forefront. Their mission is to conceptualize and develop “heart-fluttering products that can only be found at AEON,” aiming to resonate deeply with their peers. From the initial planning stages, these young creators have infused their distinct ideas and flair into every item. Adding another layer of artistic charm, popular illustrator Tomowaka, celebrated for her unique and refined visuals that resonate with the Z-generation on social media, has contributed original collaboration illustrations as key visuals and product designs.
A Feast for the Senses: Sweets and Treats
The collaboration kicks off with an array of delectable sweets, perfect for any occasion. The “Melt-in-Your-Mouth Strawberry Parfait,” launching January 21, features a rich Amaou strawberry paste jelly, creamy custard mousse, strawberry whipped cream, and delightful strawberry-flavored cookies. “It’s a classic strawberry parfait that lets you enjoy the gentle spread of strawberry happiness,” a representative notes, highlighting its refreshing, not-too-sweet profile with cute pumpkin seed and cookie toppings.
For Valentine’s Day, a special collection of sweets will arrive on February 11:
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Nene Kosoii’s “Moist & Rewarding Chocolate Sandwich”: A rich chocolate custard with caramel chips for a fun texture. Nene herself commented, “I focused on the balance between the moistness of the cookie and the firmness of the mousse! The hint of caramel chips gives it a slightly bitter taste, which is key!”
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Otsuka Shiraishi’s “Sweet Happiness: Two-Tone Macarons”: Adorable macarons with a generous almond base, topped with chocolate lattices. They come in strawberry (with strawberry sauce and milk whip) and chocolate (with chocolate chips and chocolate whip) flavors.
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Hirona Nagahama’s “Melting Raw Chocolate Cheesecake”: A smooth, rich chocolate cheesecake featuring fresh chocolate and a glossy strawberry sauce for a sophisticated “sweet and alluring” Valentine’s look.
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Ayaka Honmo’s “Tempting Rich Matcha Cheese Soufflé”: A soufflé cake blending cream cheese and fragrant Shizuoka matcha, topped with matcha whipped cream. “As a huge matcha lover, I added a lot of matcha powder for a rich matcha flavor! It’s an elegant taste, perfect as a treat for yourself!” Ayaka shared, embodying the passion behind her creation.
Stylish Stationery and Smartphone Essentials
Beyond culinary delights, the project extends into everyday essentials, transforming them into expressions of personal style. The stationery lineup, available from January 19, includes coordinated Campus Notebooks and uni-ball One F ballpoint pens, each featuring unique designs inspired by the influencers.
For instance, Nene Kosoii’s “Blue Planet” design features shimmering cosmic motifs like Saturn and shooting stars, creating a celestial night sky on her notebook and a matching planet charm on her pen. The collective “Colorful Teens Ribbon” design, conceptualized by all members, offers a happy arrangement of popular white and gray with scattered member motifs, reflecting a shared sense of joy and collaboration.
Smartphone accessories, launching in early March, include charming “Poko Poko Smartphone Cases” for iPhone 15, 16, and 17. These cases feature a cute, bumpy surface and come with flake stickers designed by Tomowaka, allowing for personalized decoration. The “Y2K Bead Straps” offer a nostalgic yet trendy touch, with each influencer’s unique color scheme and charms, such as Nene’s pink and white strap with a large heart.
Completing the tech-savvy collection are simple white wired and wireless earphones, designed for comfort and convenience, whether for commuting or casual outings. The wireless earbuds come in a pocket-sized case with a strap attachment, merging practicality with a touch of youthful design.
Availability and Project Insights
The collaborative products will be available sequentially from January 19, 2026, at AEON and AEON Style stores across Kanto, Hokuriku Shinetsu, Tokai, Kinki, Chugoku, and Shikoku regions. Online purchases will also be possible through AEON Style Online and AEON Net Super. For more details on the exciting lineup, visit the special project website: https://chirashi.otoku.aeonsquare.net/aeon_choujudai_houkago-project/
ChouJuDai, an organization that connects the Z-generation with businesses and society, is known for leveraging their unique sensibilities in marketing, communication, and product development. Their “ULTRA TEENS FES” events, which blend real and digital experiences, have been bringing together teens from various fields since 2016.
Illustrator Tomowaka, based in Kansai, Japan, is a freelance artist celebrated for her distinct lines and limited color palettes in portraiture. Her work spans book covers, advertisements, character design, and apparel collaborations, making her a perfect fit for this youth-centric project.
This “After School Productization Project” by AEON and ChouJuDai is a testament to the power of youth-driven innovation in the retail landscape. By empowering young influencers to co-create products that genuinely excite their demographic, this collaboration not only delivers fresh, appealing goods but also sets a precedent for how brands can authentically engage with the next generation. It showcases how the “kawaii” culture, rooted in charm and cuteness, continues to evolve and empower creators, promising a future where consumer products are increasingly shaped by the vibrant ideas of young talent, potentially influencing global trends in youth lifestyle and design.
