Need to Know
31 : 07 : 23

Japan – Japanese skincare brand SK-II (pronounced ess-kay-two), is inviting beauty enthusiasts on a journey towards crystal clear skin with its unprecedented exhibition, SK-II Secret Key House. Located in the Ba-tsu art gallery in Tokyo for two days only (29–30 July 2023), the installation is part of the World Pitera Month celebration, dedicated to unravelling the secrets behind the brand’s exclusive skincare ingredient.

Derived from a proprietary yeast fermentation process, Pitera has transformed the skin of millions worldwide due to its remarkable effects, but has remained somewhat mysterious. During the exhibition, visitors can unlock 10 of SK-II’s best-kept secrets through immersive and multi-sensorial installations. This unparalleled exhibition will also feature appearances from global celebrity ambassadors.

In our Hyperphysical Stores macrotrend, we previously analysed how retailers are rethinking bricks-and-mortar stores and pop-up activations like SK-II’s exhibition to be more engaging, sensorial and memorable.

Global – The UN secretary-general António Guterres has declared the end of global warming as we know it, stating that ‘the era of global boiling has arrived’ as scientists predict July 2023 will be the hottest month on record. The World Meteorological Organization and the EU’s Copernicus Earth observation programme confirmed that global temperatures have shattered records due to the burning of fossil fuels, leading to extreme weather events. Karsten Haustein at Leipzig University found the world was 1.5°C (2.7°F) hotter in July 2023 than in the average July before industrialisation.

‘The air is unbreathable, the heat is unbearable, and the level of fossil fuel profits and climate inaction is unacceptable,’ said Guterres. ‘Leaders must lead. No more hesitancy, no more excuses, no more waiting for others to move first. There is simply no more time for that.’

The rise in temperatures is causing deadly heatwaves on various continents, and scientists stress that living with extreme conditions is becoming more frequent, emphasising the need to move away from fossil fuels. Our Sustainability series covers many innovators responding creatively and effectively to the unfolding global emergency.