Tokyo, November 28, 2013, Ricoh is launching a project to develop a series of new online pieces in collaboration with "frontline creators," people who map out the future in the form of fiction, manga, and video games. Based on the concept of freely imagining the year 2036, we explore different scenarios and ways in which people will work and communicate with one another in the future. Ricoh researchers follow up by talking again to the creators about the futures they have mapped out, to help expand their visions further.
In the first story, a science fiction author Hideaki Sena, known for his novel "Parasite Eve" takes his turn in imagining the year 2036. He is due to be followed by a well known mangaartist and then a popular game creator. Throughout this three-part series, young and energetic illustrator Zain visualizes images of the future conjured up by each of the creators. Her sophisticated illustrations will bring the creators' visions to life, and will be featured as content on the website, alongside the conversations with researchers.
Ricoh is constantly proposing work styles that offer people new value, at the interface of people and information. That has been part of Ricoh's DNA since the 1950s, when the company pioneered "Office Automation." Meanwhile we have all been enthralled by images of the near future since we were children, as fiction, mangaand video games have continued to fire our imaginations. Bringing together researchers, whose job is to conceptualize new products and services with an eye to the future, in collaboration with creators, who map out the future with their imagination, will help to generate even more creative ideas and act as a driving force for change.
The corporate tagline "imagine. change." embodies Ricoh's goal of leveraging the collective imaginations of its people to drive change and deliver new value to customers.
| About Ricoh |
Ricoh is a global technology company specializing in office imaging equipment, production print solutions, document management systems and IT services. Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh Group operates in about 200 countries and regions. In the financial year ending March 2013, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of 1,924 billion yen (approx. 20 billion USD).
The majority of the company's revenue comes from products, solutions and services that improve the interaction between people and information. Ricoh also produces award-winning digital cameras and specialized industrial products. It is known for the quality of its technology, the exceptional standard of its customer service and sustainability initiatives.
Under its corporate tagline, imagine. change. Ricoh helps companies transform the way they work and harness the collective imagination of their employees.
For further information, please visit www.ricoh.com/about/
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