In an exciting new initiative, Apple has launched its “Mac for Students” campaign, which spotlights the exceptional talent and innovation found within Japan’s university extracurricular groups, affectionately known as "circles." These dynamic student-led teams are pushing the boundaries of creativity across a variety of fields including hybrid rocket engineering, game development, stop-motion animation, and sports analytics, all while utilizing the powerful capabilities of Mac and iPhone to bring their revolutionary projects to fruition.

Kicking off on January 2 during the famous Hakone Ekiden marathon broadcast, the campaign showcases heartfelt stories from four standout university circles. Each narrative emphasizes how Apple's technology facilitates collaboration and innovation among students from diverse disciplines.

Apple firmly believes that the Mac is the quintessential partner for students eager to explore creative horizons. Whether designing intricate hybrid rockets with cutting-edge software like Fusion 360 and KiCad, crafting interactive games using Unity, or producing captivating stop-motion films with Adobe Creative Suite, Mac delivers the robust performance and versatility essential for students to excel.

For groups focused on sports analytics, tools like SPLYZA Teams and Microsoft 365 empower athletes to sharpen their strategies and enhance their teamwork—an essential aspect of any successful sports endeavor.

Featured Circles:

- **Muroran Institute of Technology**: The Student Space Research & Development Circle (SARD) is making remarkable strides in hybrid rocket engineering.

- **Tama Art University**: StudioJACA, an innovative animation circle, is known for its masterful stop-motion creations.

- **Osaka Electro-Communication University**: The Game Creation Circle, named freshmeeeeeeen, is at the forefront of game development innovation.

- **Rikkyo University**: The Women’s Lacrosse Team, ULTIMATES, brings a data-driven approach to player performance and sports analytics.

The campaign dives into interviews and real-life demonstrations featuring enthusiastic students who share their experiences and visions made possible through Mac technology. Their narratives highlight the transformative influence these tools have on their creative processes and project achievements.

The January 2 launch during the Hakone Ekiden marathon relay perfectly aligns with themes such as teamwork, resilience, and determination—values that resonate deeply within the university circles and the broader student community. This harmonious blend of tradition and modern innovation paints a vivid picture of what can be achieved when Apple’s technology meets the bright minds of tomorrow's leaders.

As students across Japan harness the power of technology to fuel their dreams, Apple continues to champion creativity and collaboration in education, inspiring the next generation of innovators and creators.