Announcing the "NOROSHI2015" Group Competition for University Comedy Clubs, Presented by Dentsu Inc. and Yoshimoto ― Turning Comedy Clubs into a Gateway for Aspiring Comedians ―

Dentsu Inc. has provided "CircleApp" ( http://circleapp.jp ), an integrated mailing list platform for student groups like university clubs and seminars, since 2013. This time, leveraging the "CircleApp" network, they will co-host the group competition event "NOROSHI2015" (January-March 2015) in collaboration with Yoshimoto Creative Agency and the student organization "University Arts Festival."

The motivation behind "NOROSHI2015" stems from the belief that such an initiative could serve as a solution to challenges faced by both university clubs and companies.

Comedy clubs, bands, and other university clubs once served as growth platforms for young people aspiring to become professionals. According to the "CAMPUS LIFE DATA" survey conducted by the National Federation of University Co-operative Associations in October-November 2013, the percentage of university students belonging to clubs rose from 56% in 2001 to 70% in 2013. However, due to the insular nature of club activities and the increasing focus on general employment, the environment is no longer necessarily ideal for students aiming to become professionals in their chosen fields. Simultaneously, companies are finding it increasingly difficult to secure students aiming for professional careers.

In light of this situation, an initiative was launched to create points of contact between students, whose activities had previously been confined within their clubs, and companies by holding events at the university club level utilizing Circle Up.

Preceding "NOROSHI2015," events titled "SOUNDYOUTH" were held in January and September 2014, targeting university band clubs. These two events mobilized a total of 3,500 university students, demonstrating that utilizing Circle Up was highly effective in creating connections with companies. "NOROSHI2015" will contribute to creating connections between university students and Yoshimoto Creative Agency by holding a club-level competition targeting comedy clubs.

The overview of "NOROSHI2015" is as follows.

【"NOROSHI2015" Overview】
・Event Name: "NOROSHI2015"
・Organizers: Dentsu Inc., Yoshimoto Creative Agency Inc., Student Group "University Geikai"
・Purpose: To create opportunities for university students belonging to comedy clubs to connect with companies
・Period: January 11 (Sun) to February 2 (Mon), 2015: Entry period for participating groups.
　Preliminary rounds scheduled for Wednesday, February 18 to Thursday, February 26 at Suginami Ward Industrial and Commercial Hall and Suginami Ward Office Kugayama Hall.
　Semifinals scheduled for Saturday, February 28 and Sunday, March 1 at Yoshimoto Asakusa Kagetsu.
　The finals are scheduled to be held at Lumine the Yoshimoto on Monday, March 9.
*The winning comedy club will receive a grand prize package including 300,000 yen in activity support funds and the opportunity to perform on a Yoshimoto stage.
・MC: Shizuru and Igo Shogi will host the semi-finals, while Jaru Jaru will host the finals.

	 		 
Shizuru	 	Igo Shogi	 	Jaru Jaru

 

 		 
 	Logo Mark	 

 

*Circle Up is an app developed primarily by members of DENTSU SOKEN INC. (Dentsu Youth Research Department) specifically for university clubs. It features a yearbook function for each grade level, including alumni, an album function that aggregates photos taken by members for each event, and an offer function serving as a sponsorship portal for companies. As of December 2014, 1,700 clubs from 200 universities nationwide are registered. It also provides web services focused on university clubs, designing new relationships with society and businesses. Developed in autumn 2012, service began in 2013. In fiscal year 2014, it received the "Good Design Award" from the Japan Institute of Design Promotion, a comprehensive design recommendation system.

Dentsu Inc. Topics
http://www.dentsu.co.jp/news/topics/2014/1222-003909.html