【英訳学習#26】BEYBLADE X はなぜ大人を熱狂させるのか?
今日は もう"おもちゃ"じゃない!出荷数100万個の大ヒットを遂げた「BEYBLADE X」はなぜ大人を熱狂させるのか? の英訳でビジネス英語の表現をまなびます!
上級者向けに BEYBLADE Xの売り上げを2倍にするにはどうするか? というお題で生成AIにケースインタビューを作成してもらいました!
■Why does BEYBLADE X make adults go crazy?
It's no longer just a toy! Why does the hit "BEYBLADE X" that shipped 1 million units make adults go crazy?
Beyblade will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2024. It is also available in over 80 countries and regions around the world, with a total of over 520 million units shipped. In July 2023, the fourth generation new product "BEYBLADE X" was released from Beyblade, which is popular all over the world.
This time, we spoke with Yuta Kosaka, Chief of Marketing, Global Beyblade Business Division, Takara Tomy Co., Ltd., who was in charge of developing "BEYBLADE X", about the behind-the-scenes of the product's creation.
*This article is a summary and excerpt of some of the content from the audio content "DIME Hit Product Research Institute" currently being distributed on Voicy. The entire content can be heard on Voicy.
A new Beyblade that has evolved with "super acceleration"
Beyblade was originally developed as a modern take on the Japanese "Beygoma". Players can customize their own tops and spin them with a special launcher to battle. Regarding the features of the newly released "BEYBLADE X", Kosaka said the following.
"The fourth generation "BEYBLADE X" has evolved in every aspect, from the top itself, to the launcher, and the stadium where the battles take place. The biggest feature is that it can now perform the "super acceleration X-dash (extreme dash)". The gears at the end of the top's axis and the gears attached to the stadium mesh with each other, achieving unprecedented speed."
The addition of the X-dash function allows for the fastest attack ever. Now you can enjoy more intense battles like those in the anime in the real world.
"BEYBLADE X" is the culmination of all previous Beyblades
The new product "BEYBLADE X" is said to be packed with all the elements of the previous Beyblades.
"BEYBLADE X incorporates all the elements from previous generations, and the new X-Dash (Extreme Dash) has been added, evolving it into something that can be enjoyed by both old and new players, children and adults alike. For example, the original Bakuten Shoot Beyblade introduced customizability and the ability to devise strategies by judging compatibility between customizations, while the second generation Metal Fight Beyblade introduced the metal "Metal Blade" blades that connect the blades of the Beyblades, and the previous third generation Beyblade Burst introduced the "Burst Gimmick" that destroys the opponent's Beyblade when it hits it with a strong impact, both of which have been carried over to BEYBLADE X.
While it incorporates elements from previous generations, the product name of the fourth generation is very simple, "BEYBLADE X." This smart name, which has never been seen in any Beyblade before, was chosen with the intention of evoking the image of sports.
"Beyblade is played by many people around the world and is also enjoyed by spectators, so we think of it as something like an extreme sport. That's why we named it "X" to convey the idea that it's a series that realizes extreme, exciting, and extraordinarily exciting battles."
Support from adults also contributes to its success
"BEYBLADE X" has exceeded 1 million units shipped in Japan in about three months since its release on July 15, 2023. In the toy industry, where 100,000 units is considered a hit, this is an unusually big hit. Kosaka says that the reason behind this is support not only from children but also from adults.
"The purchase ratio is 70% children and 30% adults, so it is enjoyed by a wide range of age groups. Since the first generation, Beyblade has been popular because the tops spin at high speed and crash violently into each other, but I think that the increased intensity of this version has resonated with adults as well. People who played the first generation Beyblade have picked it up again after a long time, and two generations of parents and children are enjoying it together."
She continues on about how adults can enjoy Beyblade:
"Since I became an adult, I have pursued the customizability of Beyblade more. Now, by linking it with an app, I can measure my shooting power, and I enjoy the research element of changing the way I shoot and seeing the fluctuations in the numbers."
The Beyblade Division has incorporated Beyblade battles as a way to refresh themselves when meetings get stuck. During the battle, there is no consideration for anyone. It doesn't matter whether you are a superior or a subordinate. It may be because of this unique environment where adults can play seriously that products that adults can get excited about across generations are created.
Beyblade is no longer "a game"!
The official website has a catchphrase that reads, "Beyblade is a sport." There is a reason why "BEYBLADE X" is promoted as a sport.
"Beyblade battles require all of the elements of mind, technique, and body, including psychological warfare, honing skills, and customizing Beyblades. Furthermore, since it attracts not only players but also spectators, we see it as a sport that promotes interaction and communication between people."
In addition, in order to take the Beyblade brand, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2024, to the next level, it was necessary to shift away from being a "toy to play with."
"Beyblade is now enjoyed by everyone, from children to adults, regardless of age, gender, or nationality. In order to create an opportunity for more people to enjoy it, we decided to make it a sport, not a game."
The most difficult part of development was creating the concept.
The development of "BEYBLADE X" began in 2019. Kosaka looks back on the situation at the time as follows.
"We spent the most time on planning and coming up with the concept. We had many discussions about what kind of gimmick would surprise everyone and what the concept was. After getting to the essence of what makes Beyblade fun, we came to the conclusion that it's in the "clash between the pieces". To make that even more fun and intense, we decided to add the super acceleration gimmick."
The team members involved in this development were about 15 to 20 people. The members ranged in age and background, from people who had been involved in the development and marketing of each Beyblade from the first to the third generation to people who were involved for the first time. Regarding the difficulties in commercializing the product, Kosaka continues:
"We had to keep costs down to an affordable price range, and there were restrictions such as safety, so we struggled to achieve super acceleration that would make anyone say, 'Wow, that's fast! I want to try that!'"
During development, the members not only discussed things, but also had Beyblade battles with each other and showed each other the moves, and they proceeded by actually getting their hands dirty.
Appealing Beyblade as a competitive sport
During the three-day holiday in October 2023, including Sports Day, the BEYBLADE X TRAINING CENTER, a facility where you can experience Beyblade, opened for a limited time to promote its appeal as a competitive sport.
"It is a training facility where you can experience Beyblade as a gear sport. You can enjoy Beyblade as a light workout, and it has become a place where not only children but also adults can gather casually. Inside the facility, there is a rental space for Beyblades, a stadium where you can play freely, and you can receive lectures from trainers. It was very well received as a space where you can enjoy Beyblade as if you were going to a sports event."
In addition, they are focusing on appealing to the sports aspect by holding collaborative events with sports events that attract a wide range of ages, such as soccer and volleyball.
Entering the metaverse! Developing content unique to online
In addition, Beyblade is developing new content on the world-popular metaverse platform Roblox.
"The newly opened Beyblade Park on Roblox has released online Beyblade games. There are official games, but there are about 16 games in total that were co-created with creators. At first, I couldn't imagine online Beyblade, but I feel that there are new ways to play Beyblade, such as human-sized Beys attacking, that are possible only in games."
The importance of creating a concept that is easy to understand
Finally, Kosaka talked about what he learned through this development:
"I have become constantly conscious of whether the concept is being communicated in a way that everyone can understand. Even within the company, I am often asked, 'What is the concept of this Beyblade in one word?' It is something that is enjoyed by a wide range of people, from children to adults, so I realized that it is important to be able to firmly grasp the concept in myself at a level that can be conveyed to others in one word."
■BEYBLADE X はなぜ大人を熱狂させるのか?
■TOEIC Part5 対策を想定した英単語、フレーズをまなびます!
■英単語
shipped 1 million units 100万台出荷
behind-the-scenes 舞台裏
special launcher 特別なランチャー
unprecedented speed 前例のない速度
culmination 集大成
customizability カスタマイズ性
psychological warfare 心理戦
honing skills 技術を磨く
promoting interaction and communication 交流とコミュニケーションを促進する
affordable price range 手頃な価格帯
competitive sport 競技スポーツ
metaverse メタバース
commercialization 商業化
collaborative events 協力イベント
training facility トレーニング施設
light workout 軽い運動
catchphrase キャッチフレーズ
extreme sport エクストリームスポーツ
research element 研究要素
fluctuations in the numbers 数値の変動
superior or subordinate 上司または部下
gear sport ギアスポーツ
■英語フレーズ
The company shipped 1 million units last quarter.
会社は前四半期に100万台を出荷しました。
We need to understand the behind-the-scenes process of the project.
プロジェクトの舞台裏のプロセスを理解する必要があります。
The new product comes with a special launcher.
新製品には特別なランチャーが付属しています。
The new technology achieves unprecedented speed.
新技術は前例のない速度を達成します。
This project is the culmination of years of research.
このプロジェクトは何年もの研究の集大成です。
The customizability of the software is a key feature.
ソフトウェアのカスタマイズ性は重要な特徴です。
Effective psychological warfare can give a competitive edge.
効果的な心理戦は競争優位をもたらします。
He is honing his skills to become a better leader.
彼はより良いリーダーになるために技術を磨いています。
Promoting interaction and communication among team members is crucial.
チームメンバー間の交流とコミュニケーションを促進することは重要です。
We aim to offer products within an affordable price range.
手頃な価格帯で製品を提供することを目指しています。
The company is investing in competitive sports sponsorships.
会社は競技スポーツのスポンサーシップに投資しています。
The metaverse is becoming a popular platform for virtual events.
メタバースはバーチャルイベントの人気プラットフォームになっています。
The commercialization of this technology will take time.
この技術の商業化には時間がかかります。
We are planning several collaborative events with other companies.
他の会社との協力イベントをいくつか計画しています。
The new training facility will open next month.
新しいトレーニング施設は来月オープンします。
A light workout can help reduce stress.
軽い運動はストレスを軽減するのに役立ちます。
The catchphrase for the campaign is very catchy.
キャンペーンのキャッチフレーズはとてもキャッチーです。
Extreme sports require a high level of skill and courage.
エクストリームスポーツには高い技術と勇気が必要です。
The research element of the project is very detailed.
プロジェクトの研究要素は非常に詳細です。
We need to monitor the fluctuations in the numbers closely.
数値の変動を注意深く監視する必要があります。
It is important to respect your superior or subordinate in the workplace.
職場では上司または部下を尊重することが重要です。
Gear sports are gaining popularity among young people.
ギアスポーツは若者の間で人気が高まっています。
■上級者向けの英語学習コンテンツ
今回は BEYBLADE Xの売り上げを2倍にするにはどうするか? というお題で生成AI:Copilot(ChatGPT GPT-4)にケースインタビューを作成してもらいました!
■how to double the sales of BEYBLADE X?
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today. Let’s dive into the case. Our client, BEYBLADE X, is looking to double their sales. How would you approach this challenge?
Candidate: Thank you for having me. To start, I would like to understand the current situation of BEYBLADE X. Could you provide some background information on their current sales performance, target market, and key competitors?
Interviewer: Certainly. BEYBLADE X is currently generating annual sales of $50 million. Their primary target market is children aged 6-12, and their main competitors are other toy brands like LEGO and Hot Wheels.
Candidate: Great, thank you. To double the sales, I would consider a multi-faceted approach. Here are a few strategies we could explore:
Product Diversification:
Introduce new variations of BEYBLADE X, such as limited edition models, themed sets, and customizable options.
Expand the product line to include accessories and complementary products, like battle arenas and storage cases.
Marketing and Promotion:
Increase advertising efforts through TV commercials, online ads, and social media campaigns targeting both children and parents.
Collaborate with popular influencers and YouTubers who can showcase BEYBLADE X in their content.
Distribution Channels:
Expand distribution to new markets, both domestically and internationally.
Partner with major retailers and e-commerce platforms to increase product availability and visibility.
Customer Engagement:
Organize tournaments and events to engage the community and create excitement around BEYBLADE X.
Develop a loyalty program to reward repeat customers and encourage word-of-mouth referrals.
Pricing Strategy:
Evaluate the current pricing strategy and consider offering bundle deals or discounts for bulk purchases.
Introduce a premium line of BEYBLADE X products at a higher price point to capture a different segment of the market.
Interviewer: Those are some excellent strategies. How would you prioritize these initiatives?
Candidate: I would prioritize the initiatives based on their potential impact and feasibility. Here’s a possible prioritization:
Marketing and Promotion: This can have an immediate impact on sales and brand awareness.
Product Diversification: Introducing new products can attract new customers and increase sales from existing customers.
Distribution Channels: Expanding distribution can open up new revenue streams.
Customer Engagement: Building a strong community can lead to long-term loyalty and repeat sales.
Pricing Strategy: Adjusting pricing can help capture different market segments and increase overall sales.
Interviewer: That sounds like a solid plan. How would you measure the success of these initiatives?
Candidate: We can measure success through key performance indicators (KPIs) such as:
Sales Growth: Track the increase in sales revenue and units sold.
Market Share: Monitor changes in market share compared to competitors.
Customer Acquisition: Measure the number of new customers acquired.
Customer Retention: Track repeat purchase rates and customer loyalty.
Brand Awareness: Use surveys and social media metrics to gauge brand recognition and sentiment.
Interviewer: Excellent. Thank you for your insights. That concludes our case interview.
■BEYBLADE X の売り上げを2倍にするには?
面接官: 本日はお越しいただきありがとうございます。早速ですが、ケースに入りましょう。クライアントの BEYBLADE X は売り上げを2倍にしたいと考えています。この課題にどのように取り組みますか?
候補者: ありがとうございます。まず、BEYBLADE X の現状を理解したいと思います。現在の売り上げ状況、ターゲット市場、主要な競合他社について教えていただけますか?
面接官: もちろんです。BEYBLADE X は現在、年間売り上げが 50 億円です。主なターゲット市場は 6 歳から 12 歳の子供たちで、主要な競合他社は LEGO や Hot Wheels などの他の玩具ブランドです。
候補者: ありがとうございます。売り上げを2倍にするために、いくつかの戦略を検討したいと思います。以下のようなアプローチが考えられます:
製品の多様化:
BEYBLADE X の新しいバリエーション(限定版モデル、テーマセット、カスタマイズ可能なオプションなど)を導入する。
バトルアリーナや収納ケースなどのアクセサリーや補完製品を展開する。
マーケティングとプロモーション:
テレビコマーシャル、オンライン広告、ソーシャルメディアキャンペーンを通じて、子供たちと親をターゲットに広告活動を強化する。
人気のインフルエンサーやYouTuberとコラボレーションし、BEYBLADE X を紹介してもらう。
流通チャネルの拡大:
国内外の新しい市場に流通を拡大する。
大手小売業者や e コマースプラットフォームと提携し、製品の入手可能性と視認性を高める。
顧客エンゲージメント:
トーナメントやイベントを開催し、コミュニティを活性化させ、BEYBLADE X に対する興奮を生み出す。
リピーター顧客を報酬するロイヤルティプログラムを開発し、口コミを促進する。
価格戦略:
現在の価格戦略を評価し、バンドル販売や大量購入割引を検討する。
高価格帯のプレミアムラインを導入し、異なる市場セグメントを取り込む。
面接官: 素晴らしい戦略ですね。これらの施策をどのように優先順位付けしますか?
候補者: 施策の影響力と実現可能性に基づいて優先順位を付けます。以下のように優先順位を付けることが考えられます:
マーケティングとプロモーション: これは売り上げとブランド認知度に即効性のある影響を与える可能性があります。
製品の多様化: 新製品の導入は新規顧客を引き付け、既存顧客からの売り上げを増加させることができます。
流通チャネルの拡大: 流通の拡大は新しい収益源を開拓することができます。
顧客エンゲージメント: 強力なコミュニティを構築することで、長期的なロイヤルティとリピート販売を促進できます。
価格戦略: 価格調整により、異なる市場セグメントを取り込み、全体の売り上げを増加させることができます。
面接官: それは堅実な計画ですね。これらの施策の成功をどのように測定しますか?
候補者: 以下の主要業績評価指標(KPI)を使用して成功を測定できます:
売上成長: 売上収益と販売単位の増加を追跡します。
市場シェア: 競合他社との市場シェアの変化を監視します。
顧客獲得: 新規顧客の獲得数を測定します。
顧客維持: リピート購入率と顧客ロイヤルティを追跡します。
ブランド認知度: 調査やソーシャルメディアの指標を使用してブランド認知度と感情を評価します。
面接官: 素晴らしいです。ご意見ありがとうございました。これでケースインタビューは終了です。
コメント:
様々なBEYBLADEの記事を読んだところ、これらの施策はすでに実行済みでした。生成AIへのインプットが足らなかったかも知れません。一般的な売り上げ向上の施策には役に立つと思い、そのまま掲載しました。
■TOEIC Part5 対策を想定した英単語、フレーズをまなびます!
■英単語
Current situation 現在の状況
Sales performance 売上実績
Target market ターゲット市場
Key competitors 主要競合他社
Annual sales 年間売上
Primary target market 主なターゲット市場
Multi-faceted approach 多面的なアプローチ
Product diversification 製品の多様化
Limited edition models 限定版モデル
Themed sets テーマセット
Customizable options カスタマイズ可能なオプション
Complementary products 補完製品
Battle arenas バトルアリーナ
Storage cases 収納ケース
Marketing and promotion マーケティングとプロモーション
Advertising efforts 広告活動
TV commercials テレビコマーシャル
Online ads オンライン広告
Social media campaigns ソーシャルメディアキャンペーン
Influencers インフルエンサー
Distribution channels 流通チャネル
Domestic markets 国内市場
International markets 国際市場
Major retailers 大手小売業者
E-commerce platforms 電子商取引プラットフォーム
Customer engagement 顧客エンゲージメント
Tournaments トーナメント
Loyalty program ロイヤルティプログラム
Word-of-mouth referrals 口コミ紹介
Pricing strategy 価格戦略
Bundle deals バンドル取引
Bulk purchases 大量購入
Premium line プレミアムライン
Feasibility 実現可能性
Prioritization 優先順位
Key performance indicators (KPIs) 主要業績評価指標 (KPI)
Sales growth 売上成長
Market share 市場シェア
Customer acquisition 顧客獲得
Customer retention 顧客維持
Brand awareness ブランド認知
Social media metrics ソーシャルメディア指標
Brand recognition ブランド認知
Sentiment 感情
■英語フレーズ
The current situation of the company is stable.
会社の現在の状況は安定しています。
We need to analyze the sales performance of the last quarter.
前四半期の売上実績を分析する必要があります。
Our target market includes young professionals.
私たちのターゲット市場には若いプロフェッショナルが含まれます。
Identifying key competitors is crucial for our strategy.
主要競合他社を特定することは戦略にとって重要です。
The company's annual sales have exceeded expectations.
会社の年間売上は予想を上回りました。
The primary target market for this product is teenagers.
この製品の主なターゲット市場はティーンエイジャーです。
A multi-faceted approach is necessary to solve this problem.
この問題を解決するには多面的なアプローチが必要です。
Product diversification can help increase market share.
製品の多様化は市場シェアの拡大に役立ちます。
Limited edition models often attract collectors.
限定版モデルはしばしばコレクターを引き付けます。
Themed sets are popular among children.
テーマセットは子供たちに人気があります。
Customizable options allow customers to personalize their purchases.
カスタマイズ可能なオプションは顧客が購入品を個別化することを可能にします。
Complementary products can enhance the main product's appeal.
補完製品は主製品の魅力を高めることができます。
Battle arenas are essential for competitive play.
バトルアリーナは競技プレイに不可欠です。
Storage cases help keep the products organized.
収納ケースは製品を整理するのに役立ちます。
Effective marketing and promotion can boost sales.
効果的なマーケティングとプロモーションは売上を増加させることができます。
Increasing advertising efforts is a priority.
広告活動の増加が優先事項です。
TV commercials are a traditional form of advertising.
テレビコマーシャルは伝統的な広告の形態です。
Online ads can reach a wider audience.
オンライン広告はより広い視聴者に届くことができます。
Social media campaigns are effective for brand awareness.
ソーシャルメディアキャンペーンはブランド認知に効果的です。
Influencers can help promote our products to their followers.
インフルエンサーはフォロワーに私たちの製品を宣伝するのに役立ちます。
Expanding distribution channels is crucial for growth.
流通チャネルの拡大は成長にとって重要です。
We need to focus on both domestic and international markets.
国内市場と国際市場の両方に焦点を当てる必要があります。
Partnering with major retailers can increase our product's visibility.
大手小売業者との提携は製品の認知度を高めることができます。
E-commerce platforms are essential for online sales.
電子商取引プラットフォームはオンライン販売に不可欠です。
Customer engagement is key to building brand loyalty.
顧客エンゲージメントはブランドロイヤルティを構築するための鍵です。
Organizing tournaments can create excitement around the product.
トーナメントの開催は製品に対する興奮を生み出すことができます。
A loyalty program can encourage repeat purchases.
ロイヤルティプログラムはリピート購入を促進することができます。
Word-of-mouth referrals are a powerful marketing tool.
口コミ紹介は強力なマーケティングツールです。
A well-planned pricing strategy can maximize profits.
よく計画された価格戦略は利益を最大化することができます。
Bundle deals can attract cost-conscious customers.
バンドル取引はコスト意識の高い顧客を引き付けることができます。
Offering discounts for bulk purchases can increase sales volume.
大量購入に対する割引の提供は販売量を増加させることができます。
A premium line can target high-end consumers.
プレミアムラインは高級消費者をターゲットにすることができます。
Feasibility studies are necessary before launching a new product.
新製品を発売する前に実現可能性調査が必要です。
Prioritization of tasks is essential for effective project management.
タスクの優先順位付けは効果的なプロジェクト管理に不可欠です。
Key performance indicators (KPIs) help measure success.
主要業績評価指標 (KPI) は成功を測定するのに役立ちます。
Sales growth is a primary goal for the company.
売上成長は会社の主要な目標です。
Increasing market share is a sign of competitive strength.
市場シェアの増加は競争力の強さの証です。
Customer acquisition costs should be monitored closely.
顧客獲得コストは注意深く監視する必要があります。
Customer retention strategies can improve long-term profitability.
顧客維持戦略は長期的な収益性を向上させることができます。
Brand awareness campaigns can enhance market presence.
ブランド認知キャンペーンは市場での存在感を高めることができます。
Social media metrics provide insights into consumer behavior.
ソーシャルメディア指標は消費者行動の洞察を提供します。
Brand recognition is important for customer loyalty.
ブランド認知は顧客ロイヤルティにとって重要です。
Understanding customer sentiment can guide marketing strategies.
顧客の感情を理解することはマーケティング戦略の指針となります。
■さいごに
ベイブレードは名前しか知らなかったのですが、テレビの特集で海外での人気と売り上げがすごいと取り上げられていて、興味を持って様々な記事を読んだのですが、DIMEのインタビュー記事はベイブレードを全く知らない前提でもわかりやすかったです!
今回は もう"おもちゃ"じゃない!出荷数100万個の大ヒットを遂げた「BEYBLADE X」はなぜ大人を熱狂させるのか? の英訳でビジネス英語の表現をまなびました!
ビジネス英語力向上のお役に立てたでしょうか?
よろしければ、♥とフォローをしていただけると嬉しいです!