On May 20, the non-profit organization “Machizukuri Agent SIDE BEACH CITY” (SBC) will hold an event at “Sakura Works Kannai Free Lounge” to learn about AI and other topics, titled “Creative Field.05@Yokohama Kannai ~ Sharing the Current State of AI/Web3!”.

The event description humorously begins with: “Are you still human? This event is a ‘Human Meeting.’ AI participants are kindly asked to refrain from attending.”

Against the backdrop of technology trends such as AI, Web3, and the metaverse, the event is designed as a space where participants can share insights and challenges with each other.

It aims to explore “What can humans do that AI cannot?” and “What is the meaning of doing things yourself?”, while addressing concerns like “Will AI take our jobs?” and “If AI does everything, what should I do?”

Regardless of the level of AI usage, the event emphasizes “feeling” over “knowledge,” creating a space where beginners and advanced participants can mix.

The organizer, SBC, is a community development group based in Yokohama City. “SIDE BEACH CITY” is the English representation of “Yokohama City.” They specialize in information technology support and hold “Creative Field” events irregularly. The previous session introduced practical topics such as “AI short video creation” and “cryptocurrency wallet apps.”

The SBC representative said, “This is a ‘spark of inspiration’ space where you can ask AI questions, organize your thoughts, and generate sudden ideas. We want to create a fun and free time for those interested in technology or wanting to create something.”

The event runs from 7 PM to 9 PM. Participation fee is 1,000 yen for general attendees. Advance registration is required.

On April 28, Culture Convenience Club (CCC) opened “SHARE LOUNGE Minato Mirai” at Yokohama Connect Square, featuring both lounge and café functions.

The company celebrated its 40th anniversary on September 20 last year. To strengthen group collaboration and provide employees with flexible work environments, the headquarters moved to the Minato Mirai area on May 7 of the same year. “SHARE LOUNGE Minato Mirai” is located on the second-floor lobby of Yokohama Connect Square, where CCC is headquartered.

The “SHARE LOUNGE” is equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi and power outlets. It offers a “Lounge Area” for coworking and a “Outdoor Terrace” for hourly lounge use, as well as a “CONNECT STAND” area near the entrance where drinks and food can be purchased individually, allowing café-style use.

Lounge usage fees are: Soft drink plan = 1,320 yen for 60 minutes, Alcohol plan = 1,760 yen for 60 minutes. The soft drink plan has a daily maximum fee of 4,620 yen. A kids plan for preschoolers is 550 yen for 60 minutes. Within the time, free drinks and snacks are provided, and outside food (except alcohol) is allowed. There are 54 work seats for work or study, 28 outdoor terrace seats, a printer, and books and magazines available for reading. No membership registration is required, and reservations are possible.

The “CONNECT STAND” with 34 seats operates on a cash-on basis where drinks and food can be purchased individually: soft drinks for 300 yen, beer for 500 yen, Yokohama beer for 600 yen, and snacks for 200 yen.

The manager said, “As a demonstration experiment to create the future of shared lounges, we carefully selected the latest furniture for each area, focusing on comfort.” He also added, “Since it’s connected to Pia Arena MM via a deck, it’s also recommended before and after events.”

Business hours are from 9 AM to 9 PM.

The networking event “Open Night Yokohama Kannai Vol. 72 ~ Yokohama 100th Anniversary ~” will be held on May 26 at Taisei Porch Front. The organizer is Yokohama Community Design Lab.

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Sakura Works Kannai Free Lounge

Sakura Works Kannai Free Lounge is a modern co-working and relaxation space located in the Kannai district of Yokohama, Japan. It offers free Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and a quiet atmosphere for remote workers and visitors, reflecting the area’s blend of historic port-city charm and contemporary urban development. The lounge is part of a broader trend of revitalizing the Kannai neighborhood, which has evolved from a 19th-century foreign settlement into a vibrant business and cultural hub.

Yokohama City

Yokohama City, located just south of Tokyo, is Japan’s second-largest city and a major port that played a pivotal role in the country’s modernization after it was opened to foreign trade in 1859. It was a key site of the Meiji Restoration, rapidly developing from a small fishing village into a cosmopolitan hub, and tragically suffered devastating damage from the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 and World War II bombing. Today, Yokohama is known for its vibrant waterfront, historic landmarks like the Sankeien Garden, and its blend of traditional Japanese culture with international influences.

SHARE LOUNGE Minato Mirai

SHARE LOUNGE Minato Mirai is a modern co-working and lounge space located in the Minato Mirai 21 district of Yokohama, Japan, an area developed as a futuristic waterfront business and entertainment hub since the 1980s. The lounge offers a flexible, pay-per-use environment with amenities like free drinks, high-speed Wi-Fi, and private booths, catering to remote workers and travelers. Its design reflects the district’s blend of historical port heritage and contemporary urban innovation, providing a convenient spot for productivity amidst nearby attractions like the Landmark Tower and Cosmo World.

Yokohama Connect Square

Yokohama Connect Square is a modern cultural and community hub located in the Minato Mirai 21 district of Yokohama, Japan. Opened in recent years, it serves as a multi-purpose space for exhibitions, events, and local gatherings, reflecting the city’s ongoing development as a vibrant port and business center. The site builds on Yokohama’s history as a key gateway for international exchange since the late 19th century, blending contemporary design with the area’s legacy of innovation.

Minato Mirai

Minato Mirai is a large waterfront district in Yokohama, Japan, built on former shipyard and railway lands as a major urban development project that began in the 1980s. Its name means “Port of the Future,” reflecting its role as a modern hub for business, shopping, and entertainment. The area is home to iconic landmarks like the Landmark Tower and the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel, blending contemporary architecture with views of Yokohama Bay.

Pia Arena MM

Pia Arena MM is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Yokohama, Japan, which opened in 2020. It was built on the site of a former Nissan automobile plant, reflecting the area’s industrial history in the Minato Mirai 21 district. The venue hosts concerts, sports events, and entertainment shows, serving as a modern cultural hub in the city.

Taisei Porch Front

The Taisei Porch Front is a striking architectural feature of the Taisei Building in Tokyo, Japan, known for its grand, colonnaded entrance that blends Western neoclassical design with Japanese craftsmanship. Completed in 1934 during the Showa era, the building served as the headquarters for the Taisei Corporation, a major construction firm. Its ornate porch front symbolizes the modernization and Western influence in early 20th-century Japanese architecture.

Yokohama Kannai

Yokohama Kannai is the historic heart of Yokohama, Japan, originally developed as the foreign settlement after the port opened to international trade in 1859. The area features a blend of Western and Japanese architecture, including landmarks like the Yokohama Stadium and the Kanagawa Prefectural Museum. Today, Kannai serves as a vibrant cultural and commercial hub, preserving its legacy as the birthplace of modern Yokohama.