We interviewed with FabCafe Kyoto, which is one of the most active players in innovation ecosystem in Kyoto!
What is FabCafe?
FabCafe is a creative network with 12 locations around the world. While we started operations in Shibuya (Tokyo) in 2012, FabCafe Kyoto opened its doors in 2017. Of course, it can be used as a café, but it is also equipped with digital machine tools such as 3D printers and laser cutters that anyone can use. As a place for creators, business persons, students, and craftsmen to gather, we often hold events and workshops to provide a place for co-creation. Besides, we sometimes cooperate with our overseas offices in Asia, Europe, and other parts of the world to carry out online events and projects related to overseas expansion of Japanese companies.
What does FabCafe actually do?
The purpose of FabCafe is to create new values by connecting various people from different fields in one location. Kyoto, in particular, has a high concentration of companies, universities, and research institutes, as well as an abundance of traditional techniques and materials. Also, there are many craftsmen, students, and people from overseas. One of our activities is MTRL (Click here), a program that focuses on the use of materials. For example, it may happen that as our lifestyle and the way of production change, a material which has not been determined how to use, or which needs decrease, may be utilized in the way that no one has ever expected or the new value of the material may be found out by the person in the different fields. In this way, we support opportunities to create innovation by connecting people from various fields that they would not normally be involved in. The keyword is “opening up a closed industry.”
What does FabCafe aim for?
To make an ecosystem where unexpected teams or projects are born by creating a place for co-creation. As the world is constantly changing, it is hard to say, but we want to create projects and environments where people who were not able to connect before can connect, where people can realize values that each of them had not been aware of before, and where different values can mix to create new things and activities without being bound by fixed concepts.
Q. Now it’s difficult to come to Japan from abroad due to the spread of COVID-19. When the situation improves and people start to come to Japan again, can they come to the FabCafe when they come to Kyoto?
A. Of course! Why not? We’ll be waiting for you all!
554 Motoshiogama-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8119, Japan
