A Student Entrepreneur’s Dream Takes Center Stage in Ginza
The “YUMEPRO (Student Pitch Koshien)” project, renowned for nurturing young entrepreneurial talent, has launched a unique initiative in Ginza. This project brings the vision of Fumiyo Takahashi, CEO of concon Inc. and last year’s Grand Prix recipient, to a physical commercial space. Her brand, “TOKYO LOLLIPOP,” is now hosting a special event in the Ginza Station underground, offering a tangible link between emerging business ideas and societal implementation.
“Student Pitch Koshien” and the Reimagining of Tradition
The “Student Pitch Koshien” stands as a premier gateway for student startups in Japan, aiming to identify the nation’s top student entrepreneurs. It is a core event of YUMEPRO, designed to provide all students with the opportunity to pursue their dreams. This initiative actively promotes regional revitalization, supports student startup creation, and contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). First held in 2023, the event is gearing up for its fourth iteration in 2026, with regional qualifiers across six major Japanese cities leading to a grand finale at Tokyo Big Sight in late April 2026. This platform is dedicated to empowering young innovators to solve societal challenges and create new value, transforming their business concepts into significant opportunities for a better society.
“TOKYO LOLLIPOP,” launched in November 2023, is a brand that skillfully merges Japanese Pop Culture with traditional crafts. It boldly rebrands the Takasaki Daruma, a traditional Japanese craft, offering it in eight vibrant colors. Since its inception, the brand has garnered significant attention, particularly from international customers. The CEO, Ms. Takahashi, established partnerships with production factories in her hometown of Toyooka-cho, Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture. Toyooka-cho is a renowned hub, accounting for 80% of Japan’s total production of papier-mâché Daruma, where many processes, such as painting eyebrows, mouths, and adding characters, are still meticulously done by hand. In recognition of its innovative approach, “TOKYO LOLLIPOP” was selected for Forbes JAPAN’s “Culture-Preneurs 30” in 2024, highlighting its potential to bring the rebranded Takasaki Daruma to a global audience.
An Immersive Experience: Giant Vending Machines and Daruma Workshops
The new Ginza store elevates the purchasing experience with the debut of a captivating, over 180cm tall giant vending machine. This machine, designed as a launchpad for “TOKYO LOLLIPOP” content, dispenses charming items encapsulated within 10cm capsules. Through this engaging experience, the store aims to broadcast “Japanese Craft x Pop Culture” to the world.
The “TOKYO LOLLIPOP Ginza Station Store” officially opened on November 29, 2025 (Saturday), with regular operating hours beginning December 1, 2025 (Monday), from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. It is conveniently located in the Ginza underground passage near Exit C3 (Ginza Station C3 Exit), at 4-1-2 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061, in front of GinzaNovo.
The store typically operates as an unmanned outlet featuring the giant vending machine. However, on weekends, it offers a special exhibition and sale of 10-color “TOKYO LOLLIPOP Daruma” and hosts traditional Daruma painting workshops (reservation required).
Discover more about “TOKYO LOLLIPOP” and its offerings:
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Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyolollipop_official
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Website: https://tokyolollipop.com/
“This isn’t just about selling products; it’s about crafting an immersive experience that celebrates the vibrant fusion of Japan’s rich craft heritage with its dynamic pop culture,” shared a representative from concon Inc. “We believe the Ginza store, with its towering vending machine and interactive workshops, will become a beacon for this unique cultural blend, inviting the world to discover the playful spirit of Daruma.”
The Future of Kawaii Culture: Bridging Tradition and Trend
The launch of “TOKYO LOLLIPOP” in Ginza represents a significant step forward for traditional Japanese crafts, showcasing how they can be revitalized and made relevant in a global, modern context. By reinterpreting the Daruma, a symbol of perseverance and good luck, through the lens of pop culture, the brand is not only preserving heritage but also actively shaping the future of “Kawaii” culture abroad. This innovative approach by a student entrepreneur highlights the immense potential for young visionaries to bridge tradition with trend, creating new narratives for Japanese cultural exports and inspiring a new generation of craft enthusiasts worldwide.
