What Is the “Communication Activation App”?

The Communication Activation App is designed to match employees with similar hobbies or interests so they can casually connect and chat.Using the app is simple:

When you open the app, a list of employees with shared interests appears—shown only by nickname. You choose a time slot to connect and send a message. (At this stage, you don’t know who the other person is.)

Through in-person conversations, users develop cross-departmental gentle ties that help foster understanding and connection.

During the pilot phase (November 2024 to January 2025), around 300 employees used the app, resulting in over 270 successful matches.

The Background of the App

“When the iPhone was rolled out in our company, we thought: why not create an app that everyone can enjoy?” This initiative began in December 2023, when iPhones were officially adopted in our workplace. A group of cross-functional collaborators who shared a passion for fostering connection began exploring ways to use this opportunity. With a shared vision of creating a more connected and comfortable workplace, we aimed to encourage interaction without pressure—by forming easy, casual, and voluntary relationships beyond organizational boundaries. We believed that if people could connect through the app in a relaxed way, communication across teams would naturally be revitalized. That vision led to the launch of the Communication Activation App in November 2024.

Beyond Strong Ties —
The Value of Gentle Connections

Our goal is to increase the number of colleagues with whom casual conversations are possible—even across departments. In other words, we focus not only on “strong ties,” but also on cultivating gentle connections. Although the sociological term “weak ties” is widely recognized as valuable, the word “weak” can imply fragility or lack of substance. That’s why we intentionally chose the term “gentle connections.” “Gentle” suggests warmth, openness, and emotional ease—qualities that help people connect more naturally. We believe such connections create a sense of belonging and psychological safety in the workplace, ultimately enhancing well-being.

Spreading Gentle Connections
Beyond the Company

While internal feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, we wanted to know: • How would people outside the company respond? • Would they resonate with the idea of “gentle connections”? • What kinds of initiatives are other groups working on? Although we were not originally part of the Expo team, we heard that anyone proposing a collaborative project could participate. Inspired by the possibility that our work might serve as a reference or spark for other organizations, we decided to join Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. Belonging to an organization isn’t limited to companies—it applies to school classes, clubs, and other groups too. You don’t always need to find all your friends within your immediate circle. In fact, we want more people to realize the value of connecting outside their organizations. If our story inspires you to think, “Maybe we can do something like this too,” we’ll be thrilled. We hope our presentation becomes a catalyst for someone’s first step—and that somewhere in the world, new gentle connections will begin to form.

Venue Information

≪Presentation & Exhibition Schedule≫
Date: Tuesday, July 1, 2025
• Presentation: 13:00–13:30
• Exhibition: 10:00–21:00
Admission: No reservation required
Venue: TEAM EXPO Pavilion, Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.

official website