At the opening of the season’s first match, an energetic and highly entertaining cheering performance was presented to deliver the passion of Japan’s volleyball fans directly to the players, uniting supporters across the country to rally behind the team’s pursuit of victory.
The synchronized movements of dancers and mops glowing with fantastical light drew waves of amazement from the audience. When the powerful performance of the drumline joined in, applause spread throughout the entire venue.
In the latter half of the program, the whole arena came together to cheer for the players with the iconic volleyball chant, “Nippon, cha-cha-cha,” creating a powerful moment of unity. Blending Nissan’s advanced technology with its spirit of challenge—“doing what others do not”—the performance electrified the crowd and filled the venue with an atmosphere of excitement befitting a season-opening match, helping drive Japan toward victory.
Challenge
The “ProPILOT MOP,” which was first unveiled on a basketball court last year, was presented this time in an upgraded version as part of a cheering practice performance at the women’s tournament of the FIVB Paris Olympic Qualifier / Volleyball World Cup 2023.
Before the players’ entrance, the ProPILOT MOP appeared alongside dancers dressed as mop cleaners. After the venue was darkened, the newly enhanced mops—now featuring laser mapping and illuminated elements—began moving hands-free, as if by magic. In that moment, the atmosphere in the arena completely transformed. Waves of astonishment swept through the crowd, excitement reached its peak, and the energy of support for the players coming into the match united as one.
In preparing the new performance, extensive trial and error went into choreographing the autonomous mops to move dynamically across the court in perfect synchronization with the drumline and the dance team, NISSAN Performers.
This project was carried out while I was at TBWA HAKUHODO, where I contributed as a member of the team within my area of responsibility.