Between Where We Are and Where We Aspire To Be

AUGUST 31, 2023

Note: This article is a part of an ongoing serie that delves into my journey in founding Infinity Horizons, a company centered around ACG experiences. Our primary objective is to craft enduring inspiration that not only makes a lasting impact but also serves as a wellspring of inspiration. As you read through this series, you'll discover the evolution of Infinity Horizons and our steadfast commitment to leaving an indelible mark through our endeavors.

Throughout the six-month journey of building a company, a gradual realization has been unfolding. It becomes clear that even with the best intentions of advisors, venturing alone might lack the holistic approach necessary for organizational success. It's in this exploration of various operational dimensions that a pivotal realization crystallized—the uniqueness of the company's vision could be blacked by a sole focus, potentially leading to a tunnel-visioned approach. Thus, a decision was made: it was time to welcome new faces and a new co-founder into the project.

Materialized View

Amidst this evolutionary process, a void has come into focus—the absence of a defining manifesto, the guiding compass for core principles. Before delving into the allure of product creation, the realization hit that a sense of purpose, a vision, and a mission were essential cornerstones. The existence of this vision held more significance than mere validation; it ignited inspiration, propelling the next phase of the process—the "How" of the "What"—the strategic underpinning of the venture. The passion for the ACG subculture surged; the long-term dream remained vivid, but now the spotlight turned towards navigating the intricacies of the journey between origin and aspiration.

Shikanime Studio Logo

Shifting back in time to November 2011, when Shikanime Studio first emerged, a profound conviction held sway—the brilliance of a name is intricately tied to the value it imparts, the interest it stirs, and how it touches lives through its work. This notion entrenched itself: names aren't self-conceived; they are bestowed through the interplay of engagement. Hence, the essence of Infinity Horizons' strategy crystallized—an "inside out" approach, where the community shapes what the entity represents. Thus, community, collaboration, and quality emerged as the bedrock values.

The very genesis of Infinity Horizons echoes this foundational belief. Within the infinite expanse of existence, myriad horizons converge, an interplay of ideas, individuals, realities merging atop the boundless canvas. Our motto, encapsulated in the headline, captures this essence: "Where ideas collide and imagination soars, we are proud dreamers on a mission to make them a reality.”

A conviction takes root—people rally around a brand not merely for its products, but for the narrative it weaves. This very belief propels a departure from an industry-specific focus, moving towards a malleable structure aimed at addressing the unique challenges of the cherished ACG community.

Infinity Horizons Manifesto Draft V0.1

In the grand tapestry of enterprise, Infinity Horizons emerges not as a mere entity but as a shared vision—a vision where passion, collaboration, and purpose intertwine, creating a mosaic that reflects the vibrant spirit of the ACG culture.

Beyond the Tapestry

This year, I returned to the Japan Expo for the second time in almost a decade. Witnessing the ongoing growth of this subculture was truly heartening. The event has evolved, attracting a remarkably diverse crowd with backgrounds spanning a multitude of experiences. Engaging with attendees—whether they were cosplayers, illustrators, game developers, photographers, or other enthusiasts—offered insights into the profound sense of belonging woven throughout the community. Their dedicated passion was palpable, a testament to the deep-seated connections forged within.

K/DA ALL OUT Seraphine Cosplay From League of Legends at Japan Expo 2023

As an enthusiast of cosplay, I relish the experience despite not possessing the extraordinary talents displayed by some of the astounding cosplayers I encountered. Cosplay offers a unique avenue to express oneself as a cherished character, fostering connections with others who share the same passion.

After the convention concluded, and I found myself leaving with a few plushies in hand, my excitement didn't fade; instead, it transformed into a yearning for deeper engagement. However, a realization struck me after exhaustive research and numerous virtual shopping carts: despite its reputation as a significant consumer of ACG content, France lacked avenues to tangibly express this subculture's fervor in everyday life.

So, with a newfound team by my side, I embarked on a journey to address this gap. My strategy was to adopt a gradual approach, prioritizing short-term objectives while keeping my long-term vision firmly in sight. Our initial target differed from my original grand plan; it encompassed a market that sought to address real-world problems, offer solutions, foster community engagement, and bootstrap our brand.

Interestingly, we set our sights on the market for high-quality streetwear clothing, collaborating with independent illustrator artists—a choice that might seem unconventional. This decision might sound bold coming from an individual rooted in a software engineering background. Nevertheless, my experience in prototyping, delivery, and physical product production of axolotl plushies with few colleagues at SFEIR provided me with quite a few valuable skills to navigate this uncharted territory.

[Axolotl Plush at Google Cloud Next ’23 by Jérôme NAHELOU](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/vbcPVU2ZxFPcePFwT3FlxCzG3yrnAaZj96hSAQDNVcsp_aIOR5rwW3enhGU7l8k4VRT1DLdXWC9UBRQzB2qhkgJnq3zRsSXifp8Mj-eupoAosa7daTqJwoltGRShY0BE3MRXRFcfC2BC6m4KqvZg8u0)

Axolotl Plush at Google Cloud Next ’23 by Jérôme NAHELOU

This path is not without its challenges, yet it simultaneously presents opportunities to acquire proficiency in product management, marketing, and delivery—foundational elements pivotal to realizing my overarching vision.