Interview with Takeshi Maruyama, representative of FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β
We spoke with Takeshi Maruyama, representative director of Fab Plaza Setouchi General Incorporated Association, which operates FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β, about how FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β came to open, what makes it distinctive, and his hopes for the future.
It began when he heard there were “Fab Labs” in various places in Japan and overseas
How did FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β come to open?
Maruyama
One day, an acquaintance told me that in Japan and overseas there were places called “Fab Labs”—spaces where local people can share and use a variety of equipment, including digital tools.
Actually, I work for Setouchi Engineering Co., Ltd., the company next door to FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β.
Setouchi Engineering had installed digital equipment such as 3D printers.
This was around 2014, when 3D printers were just becoming a hot topic.
So we decided to open Setouchi Engineering Co., Ltd.’s development and research room to the local community, so everyone could see and touch the digital equipment and experience what it was like.
Then, in January 2015, we established Fab Plaza Setouchi General Incorporated Association, and opened FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β that March.
Older people were the first to take an interest
What kinds of people use it most?
Maruyama
When we first opened, surprisingly, older people were the ones who showed the most interest.
It seemed that many were interested in new fields as they embarked on the next stage of their lives.
After that, more and more people who needed to use 3D printers for business began using the facility, and today business users make up the majority.
Originally, our aim was to offer “hands-on manufacturing experiences using digital equipment,” but now our main focus is “supporting businesses that use digital equipment.”
Today, many users are people running their own businesses
For example, what kinds of people use it for business?
Maruyama
Digital equipment is just equipment.
What matters is creating the data needed to operate it.
But you can create data at home if you have a computer.
Equipment, on the other hand, is difficult to buy.
Many users are people who are thinking of starting a business that requires equipment such as 3D printers, but have the skills to create the data and no access to the equipment.
For example, people who make and sell small products themselves use the facility.
Mizushima is a “town of manufacturing.” Revitalizing Mizushima through FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β
What are your hopes for the future, and how do you feel about FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β?
Maruyama
Mizushima is a “town of manufacturing,” as its industrial zone exemplifies.
I hoped that local people would take an interest in new digital equipment at FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β, and that more people would become involved in manufacturing.
That’s why we also hold classes for children, such as craft workshops for summer vacation homework.
I hope this will become a place where all kinds of people gather around digital equipment, make connections, and expand their networks.
And I think that could help revitalize “Mizushima, the town of manufacturing.”
From the Writer
With advances in digital equipment, more people want to do their own manufacturing.
Even though manufacturing has become easier than it used to be, acquiring the necessary equipment remains a major hurdle for individuals.
Using FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β makes personal manufacturing much more accessible.
If you’re interested in manufacturing or want to start a business through it, be sure to make use of FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β.
FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima (Fab Plaza Setouchi General Incorporated Association) details
| Name | FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima (Fab Plaza Setouchi General Incorporated Association) |
|---|---|
| Address | 8-4 Mizushima Nishisakae-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture (1st floor, Setouchi Engineering) |
| Contact | 086-476-7727 |
| Parking | Available |
| Hours | Telephone inquiries: 9:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. |
| Closed | Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays *Advance reservations are required to use the facility |
| Fees (tax included) | ・Membership fee: ¥2,000 (tax included) ・Annual fee: ¥2,000 (tax included) ・Equipment usage fees apply for each piece of equipment (fees vary by equipment) |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Accepted By phone |
| Wi-Fi | Not available Free to use |
| Power outlets | Available |
| Available equipment | ・3D printers ・High-resolution 3D printers ・3D scanners ・Laser cutting machine ・Digital sewing machine And more |
| Smoking | Entirely non-smoking |
| Restroom | Japanese-style toilet |
| Child-friendly facilities | Strollers may be brought inside |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair access is possible (restrooms and other facilities are not wheelchair-accessible) |
| Website | FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β - Fab Plaza Setouchi |
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