Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory located in the town of Kurashiki. Within the premises, there is a coworking space called "Coworking Space ASTRO at Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory," which operates only at night.
I spoke with the manager, Mr. Jordan, also known as Ohura Shota, about his background and ASTRO.
Manager Mr. Jordan's Background
Please tell us about Mr. Jordan's background.
Jordan (no honorifics)
Originally, I was working at a travel agency while doing video production work on the side. I worked at the travel agency for six years, mainly handling arrangements for overseas travel.
I started my career in Hiroshima and later transferred to Okayama City.
Living in Okayama City, I gradually grew to like Okayama. After retiring, I continued to live there.
Then, I had the opportunity to meet Hara Hiroyuki from Shonou Land and got involved in the establishment of TAKAHASHIGAWA TRAVEL, which focuses on inbound tourism, and here I am now.
During the day, I work in the travel industry, and I opened ASTRO to utilize Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory.
Why do you go by "Jordan"?
Jordan
My name is Shota, but when I was studying in the UK, it was hard for people to remember it. So, I decided to go by "Jordan," a name that is more familiar in the UK.
I also use Jordan on social media, so that name has become more widely recognized than my real name.
Reason for Operating at Night
Why did you create ASTRO?
Jordan
When I lived in Okayama City, I often used coworking spaces. After moving to Kurashiki, I felt there were few quiet places where I could concentrate. Even if the environment was good, some coworking spaces lacked parking, which was inconvenient.
While searching for a good place, I realized that the observatory and coworking space are a good match because you can relax by stargazing when you get tired from work.
Making effective use of the building is also one of the reasons for starting ASTRO. Currently, many people visit the café "Hoshi no Hikari no Sumiwatari," but it does not operate every day. Sometimes it opens at night, but on days off and during the night, no one uses the building.
Since I work at TAKAHASHIGAWA TRAVEL during the day, I can only open at night after work. Therefore, although it operates only at night, I think we are making effective use of the building.
Unique Uses of the Observatory
How would you like people to use ASTRO?
Jordan
I would like people looking for a place to work outside of their homes at night to use it. You can work quietly or have meetings, and since there is Wi-Fi, you can also have online meetings.
Since it is located in the town, it would be good for parents waiting for their children after school. You can use it just to wait. There are drinks available, so it would be nice if you could use it like a café.
During rush hour, the roads get congested, and it can be a waste of time if you get caught in traffic. To make effective use of that time, you can work here and leave when the roads are clear, which is also a recommended way to use it.
For those using it for a long time, there are restaurants nearby, so you can step out for a meal. You can also bring your own food, so feel free to buy something and eat here.
There are various ways to use it, so I hope you can utilize it in your own way. I would be happy if you could learn about Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory through ASTRO.
Conclusion
A coworking space that operates only at night in an observatory located in the town is a very rare existence nationwide. You can refresh yourself by stargazing, which is unique to the observatory.
Although it is a coworking space, it is also nice that you can use it for meetings or like a café. Located in the center of Kurashiki, it has parking available, so you don't have to worry about parking fees. It seems like a place you can easily use as a workplace or a casual spot.
Data on Coworking Space ASTRO at Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory
| Name | Coworking Space ASTRO at Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory |
|---|---|
| Location | 2-19-10 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 090-2805-4418 |
| Parking | Available 8 spaces in front of Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory |
| Business Hours | 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM ※Phone reception: (9:00 AM to 10:00 PM) |
| Regular Holidays | Irregular holidays |
| Usage Fee (including tax) | 500 yen per hour, 1,500 yen per day |
| Payment Methods |
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| Wi-Fi | Available |
| Power Supply | Available Multi-tap rental available |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Website | Coworking Space ASTRO at Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory |
