Exploring New Ways of Living and Connecting with Local Communities

In a world where urbanization dominates our lives, there emerges a refreshing perspective: living beyond the confines of big cities. Sibire Inc., based in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, is pioneering this movement by hosting events that encourage a reconnection with local communities through alternative living choices. Their latest initiative focuses on ‘OFF TOKYO,’ a vision advocating for life unbound by the limits of city living.

Understanding Connection with Communities

This event unfolds as an intimate dialogue café where participants can engage with real stories of individuals who have embraced alternative paths in their lives and work. Over a span of three days, attendees can meet three unique individuals from Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture, each sharing their personal journeys that intertwine local living, work, and authentic self-expression.

Meet the Daily Managers

Day 1: Living a Life of Passion - Connecting with Community through Multi-Work
Kana Kanno of Gypso/TREE/Sanjo Vacant House Utilization Project

Hailing from Nagaoka City, Kana transitioned from working in a welfare facility to embarking on a journey of dual employment after discovering a café job in Sanjo City through social media. At just 25, she established her vintage clothing store, “Gypso,” while simultaneously working in a café, selling cheesecakes, and organizing events rooted in her passions.

Day 2: Shaping Communities - Delivering New Choices through Video
Tetsuo Yamazaki, Local Director and Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team Member

Initially a banker and insurance employee, Tetsuo took a leap of faith to become a video creator, moving with his wife from Niigata City to Sanjo City in 2025. Now, as a Local Director, he crafts captivating videos that showcase the charm of Sanjo, contributing to the revitalization of the community through his newfound skills.

Day 3: Embracing a Lifestyle Connected with the Community - Starting Bi-Regional Living and Building Relationships
Hitomi Inagaki from OFF TOKYO and Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team

Originally from Joetsu City, Hitomi moved to Yamanashi for her studies and developed a keen interest in community engagement. After returning to Nagaoka, she contributed to local media and advertising before moving to Tokyo in 2024. Starting in 2025, she settled into a bi-regional lifestyle between Sanjo and Tokyo, believing that strong ties to multiple communities enrich life.

Event Details

The event is set for March 25-27, 2026, from 19:30 to 21:00 (registration starts at 19:00). Each session accommodates five participants (with a maximum of ten on Day 1). The participation fee is 500 yen, which includes a beverage. Payments can be made using credit cards, QR payments, or IC transit cards, although cash is not accepted; please prepare in advance.

Venue:
Local Hub Space OFF TOKYO
21-1 Nihombashi Kodenmachō, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 2F The Portal Nihombashi East
Closest stations:

- 2-minute walk from JR Sobu Line Rapid Bakurocho Station
- 3-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Kodenmachō Station
- 3-minute walk from Toei Shinjuku Line Bakuroyokoyama Station

Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a taste of Sanjo with local drinks like the unique “Iron Cola,” reflecting the city’s craftsmanship!

Registration: You can sign up here.

About Sibire Inc.

Founded in January 2016, Sibire Inc. is based in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, and is dedicated to local revitalization initiatives, promotional support, video distribution, system development, and creative production. For inquiries, please reach out via email to Hitomi Inagaki at [email protected]. Their operations are open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.