#Japan #Tokyo #Shibire #OFF TOKYO #Minamata

Minamata Fan Meeting in Tokyo

On January 17, 2026, the Minamata Fan Meeting was held at the local hub space OFF TOKYO, bringing the vibrant essence of Minamata city to Tokyo. Organized by Shibire Co., Ltd., under the leadership of CEO Midori Suzuki, this event aimed to introduce the multifaceted attractions of Minamata, Kumamoto Prefecture, to a broader audience.

Event Highlights

Despite being a free event, the gathering was rich with opportunities for attendees to explore the local culture and products of Minamata, including tourism, local products, living, and settling in the area. The event attracted approximately 70 attendees, half of whom were spontaneous walk-ins. Many participants had no prior connection to Minamata, demonstrating how the event was an open invitation for anyone curious about the region.

At the venue, guests enjoyed tastings of local delicacies, which facilitated natural conversations among attendees and Minamata representatives. This casual atmosphere encouraged meaningful exchanges about living in Minamata and the community's background, leading to a more immersive experience of what life in the area can be like.

Organizer’s Perspective

Kazunari Takemoto, the head of the Regional Promotion Department in the Minamata City General Affairs Planning Division expressed his satisfaction with the event's format: “We wanted to provide a relaxed environment where as many people as possible could learn about Minamata. Choosing OFF TOKYO as our venue facilitated spontaneous meetings between people and the regional culture. It was rewarding to see not only those originally from Minamata but also individuals who had distanced themselves from the city due to distance, showing up and engaging. Many who dropped by casually found it to be a great gateway to understand what Minamata is currently like.”

Similarly, Taku Yamaguki from the Regional Promotion Division emphasized the success of attracting a diverse crowd despite the limited promotional time. He noted, “We had an unexpectedly high turnout, creating a significant opportunity for people to learn about Minamata. It was impressive that not only those with previous interest but also first-time visitors to the city recognized its appeal. The enjoyment expressed by attendees exceeded our expectations, indicating solid possibilities for future events.”

Event Details

• - Date: January 17, 2026 (Saturday) 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• - Venue: Local Hub Space OFF TOKYO, Nihonbashi Kodenmachō, Chūō-ku, Tokyo
• - Admission Fee: Free (Pre-registration recommended; walk-ins are welcome)
• - Organizer: Minamata City, Kumamoto Prefecture

This event highlighted how local governments and organizations can create unique experiences that foster connections between cities. Shibire Co., Ltd., which operates from the heart of Tokyo, continues to play a vital role in this promotion. With their focus on regional revitalization and creative engagements, they aim to bridge the gap between urban and rural experiences through innovative events like the Minamata Fan Meeting. Please feel free to visit their website at Shibire Co., Ltd. for more information or to inquire about future activities.

With ample opportunity for discovery and community engagement, the Minamata Fan Meeting reaffirmed the potential for regional connections, reinforcing the commitment to showcase the allure of Minamata to urban audiences.