Interview with Takeshi Maruyama, the representative of FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β
I spoke with Takeshi Maruyama, the representative director of General Incorporated Association Fab Plaza Setouchi, about the background of opening FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β, its features, and future aspirations.
The trigger was hearing that there are "FabLabs" in various places both domestically and internationally
What was the background for opening FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β?
Maruyama
At one point, I heard from an acquaintance that there are spaces called FabLabs where various digital equipment and tools are shared by the community in Japan and abroad.
Actually, I am part of a company called Setouchi Engineering Co., Ltd., which is located next to FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β.
Setouchi Engineering had introduced digital equipment such as 3D printers.
This was around 2014, when 3D printers were becoming a hot topic.
So, I thought of opening the development research lab of Setouchi Engineering to the local community, allowing everyone to see, touch, and experience the digital equipment.
Then, in January 2015, I established General Incorporated Association Fab Plaza Setouchi and opened FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β in March of the same year.
The first to show interest were older individuals
What kind of users are common?
Maruyama
Surprisingly, the first people to show interest when we opened were older individuals.
It seems that many were interested in new fields as they embarked on their second life.
After that, the number of users who needed to use 3D printers for business gradually increased, and now business users are the main demographic.
Originally, our goal was to provide "hands-on experiences with digital equipment," but now it has shifted to "supporting businesses using digital equipment."
Currently, many users are people running their own businesses
For example, who are the business users?
Maruyama
Digital equipment is just that—equipment.
What’s important is creating the data to operate the digital equipment.
However, data can be created at home if you have a computer.
But equipment is not something you can easily purchase.
There are many users who are considering businesses that require equipment like 3D printers but do not have the equipment, even though they can create the data.
For example, individuals who create and sell small items are utilizing our services.
Mizushima is a "manufacturing town." Revitalizing Mizushima with FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β
What are your future aspirations and thoughts about FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β?
Maruyama
Mizushima is a "manufacturing town" represented by its industrial zone.
I hope that through FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β, local residents will become interested in new digital equipment and that the number of new creators will increase.
Therefore, we also hold workshops for children, such as crafting classes for summer vacation homework.
I hope it becomes a place where various people gather around digital equipment and connections expand.
And I believe that this will contribute to revitalizing "manufacturing town Mizushima."
Conclusion
With the advancement of digital equipment, more individuals are interested in "manufacturing."
Although it has become easier to engage in "manufacturing" than in the past, gathering the necessary equipment remains a high hurdle for individuals.
Utilizing FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β makes personal "manufacturing" much more accessible.
If you are interested in "manufacturing" or want to start a business in "manufacturing," please make use of FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β.
Data on FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima (General Incorporated Association Fab Plaza Setouchi)
| Name | FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima (General Incorporated Association Fab Plaza Setouchi) |
|---|---|
| Location | 8-4 Nishi Sakae-cho, Mizushima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture (1st floor of Setouchi Engineering) |
| Contact | 086-476-7727 |
| Parking | Available |
| Business Hours | Phone reception hours: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM |
| Regular Holidays | Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays ※ Reservations are required in advance for use |
| Usage Fee (including tax) | ・Membership fee: 2,000 yen (including tax) ・Annual fee: 2,000 yen (including tax) ・A usage fee is required for each piece of equipment (fees vary by equipment) |
| Payment Method |
|
| Reservation Availability | Yes Accepted by phone |
| Wi-Fi | None Available for free |
| Power Supply | Available |
| Available Equipment | ・3D printer ・High-resolution 3D printer ・3D scanner ・Laser cutter ・Digital sewing machine and more |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Toilet | Japanese-style toilet |
| Childcare | Strollers are allowed inside |
| Barrier-Free | Wheelchair accessible (facilities such as toilets are not wheelchair accessible) |
| Website | FabLab Kurashiki Mizushima β - Fab Plaza Setouchi |
