Business and Future Outlook

Thoughts on Subscription and Advertising Models

When creating an app, figuring out how to generate revenue is an unavoidable challenge. Initially, I thought, “Maybe I could just release it for free?” But continuing development and operations inevitably requires money. I had to face reality here.

I’ve been experimenting with various approaches, like a subscription model to “allow for more variety in floral materials and vases,” or incorporating ads for a “free-to-play but slightly limited” system. While I haven’t found the definitive answer yet, one principle I hold dear is “never compromising the worldview for monetization.” Since I am dealing with the culture of ikebana, I always prioritize respect for the art over business mechanisms.

Merging a 1000-Year Tradition with Digital

Ikebana is a Japanese traditional culture that has endured for over a thousand years. Bringing this world into smartphones initially made me wonder, “Is it really okay to do this?” I worried it might trivialize the art through digitalization.

But continuing this work taught me something: “It doesn’t destroy the authentic experience; it broadens the gateway.” I believe that if even one more person discovers ikebana through our app, it expands the reach of the art form as a whole.

To Ikebana Artists Worldwide ― From AR to VR

While the current experience centers on iPhones and iPads, our future vision extends beyond simply placing works in rooms via AR. I aim to enable three-dimensional ikebana creation through VisionOS and VR. I feel I’m gradually approaching that original idea: “Wouldn’t it be fascinating to experience this in 3D?”

Of course, technological advancement takes time. Companies like Apple, Meta, and Sony are releasing new products one after another, but they’re still far from being part of everyone’s daily life. However, their use has already begun in fields like healthcare and education, and an era where they blend more naturally into daily life is surely coming.

Thinking about that future makes me excited about this app’s potential.

The Value of 3D Data

In today’s world, AI can write code, generate text, and do many things. But AI doesn’t possess the desire to “create something.” That’s precisely why I believe there’s meaning in me thinking, putting it into words, and leaving it as a tangible form.

All the 3D data for the flowers and vessels used in “Ikebana Lab” is modeled by hand. This is still a challenging task for AI, and the ability to adjust specifications for each model is only possible because I found an exceptional modeler. That’s precisely why I feel each piece of data holds immense value.

Moreover, the value of this data should only increase going forward. The foundation for the development of AR and VR is 3D data. I believe the 3D data for floral materials and vessels created specifically for this app will serve as a bridge to new technologies.

To be honest, this app might still be a bit “too early” for society. I myself certainly don’t live daily in the world of AR or VR. But when that field eventually develops further, the data and systems I’ve built here will surely be useful. Even if the app doesn’t spread as widely as hoped, I believe this challenge itself will not be wasted.