#Japan #Setagaya #Shimokitazawa #Machino Gallery #Community Space

The 'Machino Gallery': A New Cultural Hub in Shimokitazawa

In an exciting development for the Shimokitazawa neighborhood, Machino Co., based in Setagaya, Tokyo, is launching a versatile community space named "Machino Gallery" in May 2025. This innovative space resides within the semi-outdoor area of its shared housing facility, "Machino-ba." With a commitment to fostering connections among local residents and visitors, the gallery will serve as a venue for exhibitions, pop-up shops, and workshops.

Background: From 'Machino Bookshelf' to 'Machino Gallery'

This initiative springs from the success of the previous project, "Machino Bookshelf," which debuted in January 2024 within the same semi-outdoor area. The bookshelf allowed individuals to curate their personal selections, creating a communal space where local book lovers converged. The popularity of this initiative sparked a desire to evolve beyond a mere bookshelf. A collective vision emerged to transform the space into an open living area that supports community challenges and opportunities for engagement and collaboration.

As a result, from December 2024, the semi-outdoor space known as "Machino En-gawa" began to accommodate various events and gatherings. Official operations as the "Machino Gallery" are set to commence in May 2025, featuring a broader scope of activities than before, emphasizing creative interactions and experiments.

Concept: Fueling Community Passion

The Machino Gallery aims to be a space where individuals with unique passions and ideas can take bold steps forward. By engaging with others' thoughts and aspirations, visitors may find encouragement to pursue their endeavors. The gallery aspires to cultivate a cycle where the increasing number of passionate individuals revitalizes the community, fostering growth and creativity.

Details of the Machino Gallery

Location and Capacity

• - Address: 2-33-10 Daita, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 1F Piloti of Machino-ba
• - 面积 / Capacity: Approximately 51 square meters (28 square meters covered semi-outdoor, 23 square meters outdoor) / Maximum of 10 people

Operating Hours

• - Hours: Open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (entry before 9:00 AM is prohibited, and participants must vacate the space by 7:00 PM)

Available Uses

• - The space can be utilized for exhibitions, pop-up shops, events, workshops, and more.

Facilities

• - The gallery is equipped with a blackboard, garden desk and chairs, movable bookshelves (which can also serve as side tables), benches, and gas heaters (available from November to March).
• - Please note that during summer, there is no air conditioning, and it might get hot.

Pricing Plans

• - Basic Fee: 5,000 yen (including tax) for a full day (9:00 AM to 7:00 PM)
• - Sales Events: In addition to the basic fee, a charge of 15% on sales applies (if sales are under 5,000 yen, only the basic fee will be applied).

Successful Utilization Examples

Case Study 1: First Art Exhibition
An aspiring artist held their first solo exhibition in the gallery, attracting not only invited guests but also neighborhood residents who stopped by during their strolls and purchased art pieces.

Case Study 2: Interactive Event Fostering Connections
An interactive art event encouraged participants to contribute to a joint creation, resulting in positive interactions among participants and an appreciation for their creative involvement.

How to Utilize the Space

1. Confirm the event guidelines via Google Docs (Link).
2. Fill out the event application form (Link) – Applications accepted 6 months to 2 weeks before the event.
3. Receive confirmation of your reservation via email from the management team.
4. Prepare, conduct, and restore the space on the day of the event.
5. Payment should be made via bank transfer within two weeks post-event.

Comments from Architect Yohei Shian

Yohei Shian, the architect behind the project, stated that the primary intention was to create a space for people to connect. The evolution from "Machino Bookshelf" to