Haruki - Your AI companion like no other

Wit Meets Wonder

What is it about

Haruki is an AI companion app with a touch of Role Playing Game, designed to reflect a millennial perspective and a nostalgic longing for simpler online interactions. Inspired by the aesthetics of Wes Anderson, the satirical tone of Jerry Seinfeld, the intriguing narratives of Haruki Murakami, and the simplicity of Nintendo video games, Haruki offers a unique, character-driven experience aimed at fostering genuine connections, encouraging creative thinking and providing emotional support.

Thought-provoking

More Than Just an App

Haruki isn't just about mindless entertainment. It's about sparking meaningful conversations, igniting your curiosity, and delving into the complexities of the human experience. Whether you're looking for a good laugh, a thought-provoking discussion, or a chance to explore the depths of your emotions, Haruki has something for you.

Person using a smartphone while standing up with a wall background

Picture by Emmanuel Ikwuegbu at Unsplash

For everyone

Simple Design, Profound Experiences

We believe that powerful experiences can be accessible to everyone. That's why Haruki is designed with an intuitive, minimalist, user-friendly interface. We make it easy to jump in and start a conversation.

Person smiling while siting at a table with their smartphone lying on the table.

Picture by Brooke Cagle at Unsplash

Research

Haruki app's vision is built upon deep research into emerging trends by WGSN, the world-renowned consumer trend forecasting company.

Emerging Concept

Brand Fiction

Brands are increasingly creating made-up identities, complete with immersive plot lines, back stories, and character arcs, to sell real products. This trend capitalizes on the post-truth era where consumers, especially younger generations, find joy in engaging with fictional worlds. These "mythical brands" often employ whimsical and fantastical elements to enhance their appeal, making their fictional nature an integral part of their identity. Consumers enjoy the IYKYK (if you know, you know) currency, feeling part of an insider community that understands the playful deception.

Two persons are having fun while on a smartphone

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Key industries such as fashion, beauty, interiors, food and drink, and consumer tech are leveraging this strategy, using detailed storytelling and high-production content to world-build around their brands. Companies are advised to heavily invest in lore and easter eggs to engage consumers, offering limited-time popups and interactive experiences that bring the fictional worlds to life. Examples include the Rochambeau Club's fictional tennis club promoting rosé and Western Hydrodynamic Research's surf brand, highlighting the potential for brand fiction to captivate and entertain consumers while driving product sales.

AI Futures

A post-Truth Era

In a post-truth era fueled by the rise of AI, the distinction between reality and fabricated content is increasingly blurred, prompting significant societal concerns. The widespread use of generative AI tools has made it possible for anyone to create highly believable yet artificial content, complicating the ability to discern fact from fiction. This shift has led to increased misinformation and distrust, with a majority of people fearing the inability to distinguish AI-generated content from human-made content. Governments and experts are responding to these threats with calls for regulation and pauses in AI advancements to mitigate potential harms.

A person using their phone at a sunset time

Picture by Aziz Acharki at Unsplash

From the rise of synthetic media and deepfakes to AI-generated journalism and advertising, the media landscape is undergoing a seismic shift. The proliferation of AI in creative fields is changing how information is consumed and trusted, as seen in AI-generated political imagery, voice cloning scams, and AI-driven music. While these developments offer new creative possibilities, they also pose ethical challenges and risks of misinformation. Businesses have a critical role in navigating this landscape by fostering trust and responsibly integrating AI, emphasizing adaptability and the potential for AI to inspire positive action in addressing future societal challenges.

Research Radar

Analogue Hobbies

Young people are increasingly turning to analogue hobbies, moving away from digital spaces to engage in activities such as collecting vinyl records, playing retro games, and participating in chess clubs. This shift is driven by Gen Z’s awareness of the negative impacts of social media and the desire for offline experiences that evoke nostalgia. Research indicates that a significant portion of Gen Z and Millennials are drawn to these activities, seeking comfort in simpler, more tangible pastimes amid the current global crises.

Picture by Dane Deaner at Unsplash

Key trends within this analogue resurgence include a notable increase in vinyl sales, a revival of lo-tech devices like Tamagotchis and Game Boys, and a growing interest in board games such as chess and Dungeons & Dragons. Brands are responding by creating social hubs and integrating these nostalgic elements into their offerings. For example, record shops are becoming social spaces, and board game communities are being nurtured in retail environments. This movement towards offline engagement highlights a broader trend where niche interests are becoming mainstream, driven by a collective longing for genuine, real-world connections and experiences.

Millennials

Childfree by Choice

Millennials are increasingly choosing to remain childfree, challenging traditional views of adulthood. Many opt to focus on careers, higher education, and personal fulfillment, seeing parenthood as a choice rather than an obligation. This shift is reflected in statistics, with countries like Japan and the UK reporting record low birth rates and a significant portion of Millennials expressing no desire to have children. Economic concerns, environmental worries, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic contribute to this trend. As a result, there is a growing market for products and services that cater to childfree adults, spanning housing, travel, entertainment, and daily essentials.

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Culturally, childfree Millennials face some stigma, but they are also finding support and community. They prioritize freedom, often pursuing dream careers and travel opportunities without the constraints of parenting. Brands have the opportunity to engage with this demographic by recognizing their lifestyle choices and offering relevant experiences and products. This includes curating adult-only travel and entertainment options, providing resources for those considering parenthood, and celebrating diverse family structures. The rise of childfree adults is reshaping consumer behavior, creating new avenues for targeted marketing and product development.

APAC

The Future of Solo Lifestyles

The trend towards solo lifestyles in the APAC region is transforming traditionally family-oriented societies, creating new opportunities for brands to cater to single living, dining, and traveling. Mass urbanization and demographic changes, such as ageing populations, are leading to an increase in single-occupant properties and a decline in multi-generational households. This shift is driven by socioeconomic factors and changing attitudes towards self-empowerment, with younger generations postponing traditional milestones like marriage and homeownership in favor of more personalized and holistic solo living experiences. As a result, industries such as health and wellness, consumer tech, and food and drink are adapting to meet the needs of solo consumers.

Young woman smiles while walking at a sidewalk

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Key strategies for brands include tapping into the rising spending power of single women, creating solo-friendly products and services, and addressing the challenges of solo ageing and loneliness through innovative tech solutions. Examples of this include Japan's solo travel and dining options, Korea's honjok (alone tribe) culture, and China's affluent "single aristocrats" who embrace singlehood. Companies are also leveraging digital platforms and apps to support solo lifestyles, from personalized wellness and self-care solutions to AI-driven companionship and smart home devices. By focusing on the diverse needs of solo consumers, businesses can capture a growing market segment that values independence, self-fulfillment, and convenience.

Wit meets wonder

Your AI companion like no other

Rediscover the joy of genuine connections