How to Brainstorm Ideas Using Shiritori with ChatGPT
I want some good ideas, but I can't think of any... It's strange how ideas never seem to come when you need them most, and it's frustrating not knowing what to do in those moments.
A useful method for such times is using "Shiritori" (word chain) to spark ideas.
In this article, I will show you how to have fun generating a large number of ideas by combining Shiritori with ChatGPT.
Decide on a Theme
First, let's prepare. There's nothing difficult about it; just decide on a theme you want ideas for.
For example, try deciding on any theme you want to think about, such as "new snack product names," "blog post topics," or "event planning."
Once the theme is decided, all that's left is to open ChatGPT.
Generating Words with Shiritori
Next, it's finally time for Shiritori. The first word can be anything. Let's start with the classic "apple" (ringo) and have ChatGPT think of the rest.
The great thing about using Shiritori to generate ideas is that it can lead to nouns you wouldn't normally think of. This broadens the scope of your thinking.
【Prompt】
Generate 10 Shiritori words starting from 'apple' (ringo), excluding words ending in 'n'.
【Answer】
Apple (Ringo)
Sesame (Goma)
Pillow (Makura)
Sea otter (Rakko)
Top (Koma)
Ball (Mari)
Squirrel (Risu)
Sparrow (Suzume)
Medaka (Medaka)
Key (Kagi)
I haven't specified a range for the words here, but it is possible to limit them, for example, to "only places or situations," "only food and drinks," or "only nouns that are neither too common nor too rare."
Connecting Words to the Theme
Now, this is where the real work begins. I will ask ChatGPT to combine each of the Shiritori words generated earlier with the theme. For example, if the theme is "interesting stationery," it would look like this.
【Prompt】
Please think of interesting stationery ideas based on each of the words above.
【Answer】
Apple-shaped sticky note set
Sticky notes with a faint apple scent. They come in three colors—red, green, and yellow—and a sweet and sour scent spreads every time you turn the page. Because of their round shape, the corners don't bend easily, and they make great interior decor just by sitting on your desk.
Sesame seed magnet pins
Mini magnets that look exactly like sesame seeds. They come in a set of two, black and white sesame, and can be used to stick paper to refrigerators or whiteboards. Even though they are small, they are strong enough to hold memos and photos securely.
Mini pillow pen rest
A pen rest where you can lay your pen on a small "pillow" made of squishy material. It's lightweight and detachable, so you can quickly grab your pen when you need it. It also comes with a bonus feature: you can rest your wrist on it when your hand gets tired from long hours of work.
Sea otter arm pen stand
A pen stand where a sea otter riding on a float holds a pen or scissors in its arms. The bottom is a transparent blue that mimics the water's surface, allowing you to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere as if the sea otter is floating.
Spinning top tape dispenser
A tape cutter with a spinning top motif that dispenses tape when you turn the central axis. The sensation of spinning it is fun, and you get a small sense of accomplishment every time you use the tape with a "spin!"
Ball-shaped clip holder
A spherical clip holder inspired by a traditional Japanese ball (mari). It contains a strong magnet inside, so when you drop clips in, they line up as if forming the pattern of the ball. It adds a colorful and vibrant touch to your desk area.
Squirrel belly sharpener
A pencil sharpener where you insert a pencil into the back of a sitting squirrel, and it gets sharpened inside its belly. The shavings are collected in the tail area, and you can simply pop open the tail cover to discard them.
(The rest is omitted)
By doing this, you can get dozens of ideas in no time. This is an example for stationery, but the applications are wide, including stories, events, and more.

Summary
This method of using Shiritori with ChatGPT is truly convenient once you try it. Instead of panicking when you can't think of ideas, it's easier to know one "way to generate ideas while playing."
The method of generating ideas through Shiritori is well-known, but by using ChatGPT, you can generate a large number of ideas more easily. Please try it out with a casual theme. I hope this article is helpful.
Methods for generating ideas using Shiritori, reference articles:
Shiritori idea generation method. How to mass-produce 100 "creative ideas" in about 20 minutes | A blog that makes marketing interesting
How to do "Idea Shiritori" recommended for those who are not good at brainstorming
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いいなと思ったら応援しよう!
なんと、ここまで読んでいただけるとは!いただいたチップは創作活動に使わせていただきます😊