Diversity Meets Boundless Energy! "MIRAI LAB PALETTE" Co-Creation Hub Connected by an "Overzealous" Community Manager

What exactly can be done at PALETTE?

KamakitaSimply put, it's a place where anything is possible. A Sumitomo Corporation employee introduction is required for access, but once you're in, you can use the space for meetings or networking, participate in any of the 10–15 events we hold each month, and deepen connections with other members. We also offer services like member matching, new business development support, and assistance with planning and support for pilot projects – all completely free. As of December 2024, there are about 7,800 members and around 700 matches are made annually.

What guiding principles does PALETTE operate under?

KamakitaPALETTE was opened by Sumitomo Corporation to commemorate its 100th anniversary with the goal of creating new value with diverse partners beyond the Sumitomo Corporation Group. To continue growing in a rapidly changing era, innovation that goes beyond the scope of traditional business is essential. With that in mind, PALETTE's mission is based on the ideas of "diversity and co-creation" and "experimentation and challenge." We provide a space where people with different backgrounds and expertise can meet, discover new forms of stimulation and create new value. We also encourage experimental initiatives without fear of failure; we aspire to remain an "unfinished lab" that continues to evolve.

The underlying philosophy of this approach is rooted in Sumitomo’s business philosophy: "Benefit for self and others, private and public interests are one and the same.(*) This long-term perspective, which seeks to enrich society, is also embedded in PALETTE's philosophy.

To embody this vision, we intentionally avoided setting criteria based on member background, industry or short-term profitability. At first, people thought it was crazy, but this policy is precisely what allows PALETTE to maximize its potential. I truly believe that the initiatives here will ultimately contribute to increasing the value of Sumitomo Corporation.

* The corporate vision that the Sumitomo Corporation Group aspires to. Sumitomo's business must be so profitable that it not only benefits the company itself but also the nation and society.

Tsuyoshi Morikida and Takashi Hada, how are you utilizing the lab as PALETTE members?

MorikidaWhen I formerly worked for Sumitomo Corporation, I used the company's internal entrepreneurship system to launch new businesses, and PALETTE was the perfect space to accelerate those initiatives. Now I continue to use it for similar reasons – whether it's working in the space, chatting with Kamakita, or meeting with people I've matched with. It's a beautiful space, right next to Otemachi Station, and a great place for casual communication.

HadaAs a government employee from Sakai City and director of the Tokyo Office, I focus on promoting Sakai City in the Tokyo area and working to solve regional issues. When I moved to Tokyo in 2023, a colleague from another local government introduced me to PALETTE as a unique lab where diverse connections are possible. I got to know Kamakita and found it to be a fascinating place. I visit about once a week for meetings and events.

What makes PALETTE stand out compared to other innovation labs?

MorikidaThe greatest appeal lies in the Community Manager, Kamakita. She's wonderfully "overzealous." PALETTE's membership is vast and diverse, but Kamakita knows everyone, and she personally reaches out with introductions or says, "I've got an event coming up that you'd be perfect for!" That level of personal attention goes a long way.

HadaKamakita is definitely key for me, too. There are many benefits to PALETTE, but I keep coming back because of her energy and the connections she makes possible. The events she presents to me are often spot on. I've collaborated with companies she's connected me with on pilot projects, and I often seek business advice from her.

KamakitaI'm so glad to hear that! When I make introductions, I typically base them on the personas members are looking for. But sometimes I'll follow my intuition – without thinking too much about business synergy – and connect two people just because I think it could lead to something interesting. These connections often end up lasting longer than you might expect.

MorikidaKamakita introduces me to people who are a good fit personally, so even if it doesn't immediately lead to business, it creates opportunities down the road. I've had business collaborations years later with people she introduced me to. When we first met, we were just ramen buddies with different business models swapping ideas (laughs).

KamakitaThat's exactly why I value informal chats so much. I might not consciously be gathering information, but from casual conversations, I learn about what people like or what they believe in, which I then use for better matchmaking. I often feel more like a "mama" at a snack bar than a Community Manager (laughs).

HadaIt's easier to connect with people when Kamakita sets things up. There's hardly any initial awkwardness meeting someone for the first time when she's involved.

KamakitaI'll continue being "overzealous" and helping out whenever I can (laughs). PALETTE's mission resonates deeply with me, and I absolutely love this place. The people who share this mission are kindred spirits. The connections we make are so much fun, and some truly amazing results come from them.

Matching without focusing on short-term profit aligns perfectly with PALETTE's operational style, doesn't it?

Morikida, Hada – have your impressions of Sumitomo Corporation changed since using PALETTE?

HadaAbsolutely! I used to associate integrated trading companies with large-scale businesses like energy, military equipment and space projects. But I've come to realize they also care deeply about small, regional issues. Visiting PALETTE has allowed me to connect with Sumitomo Corporation employees. It's been an eye-opener.

MorikidaPALETTE has definitely changed how external parties view Sumitomo Corporation. When I bring people here, they're often surprised by how forward-thinking and collaborative the company is. The space isn't a stiff conference room – it's a place for casual exchange, which is key for open innovation.

In closing, Kamakita, how would you like to see PALETTE evolve in the future?

KamakitaI want to continue growing PALETTE while staying true to the core idea of "weaving infinite possibilities." In the early stages, there were some who questioned PALETTE's direction, arguing that since the lab didn't have a defined focus, its purpose was unclear, with doubts about what it could achieve. But by sticking to our founding principles and focusing on the bigger picture, we've started to hear a lot of positive feedback, both internally and externally.

KamakitaSince 2024, we've started experimenting with a digital letter service called Honne POST, provided by Morikida's company, which allows members to anonymously post updates on their collaborations and progress after initial matches. Although we don't focus on profitability specifically, this will allow us to track the organic growth of co-creation and use that data to improve operations going forward.

At PALETTE, people from all walks of life – each with their own unique "color" – come together to interact. There isn't any "right" color, and there isn't a limit on the colors that can exist here. Through people interacting, each with their own distinct shades and intensity, I hope we can create something entirely new – colors and ideas never before seen.