#Japan #Shibuya #Novel Colony #Maekawa Otaro

A New Era of Storytelling: Novel Colony Launches in Shibuya

The ground-breaking project Novel Colony is set to launch on November 30, 2025, at the creative hub of 100BANCH in Shibuya, Tokyo. This innovative initiative invites participants to co-create stories in a democratic manner, challenging the boundaries of traditional storytelling and aiming to build narratives that resonate with everyone, transcending differences and conflicts.

The Concept Behind Novel Colony

The driving philosophy of Novel Colony is rooted in the concept of creating a “experiment zone for a richer world a hundred years from now.” With the involvement of the younger generation, the project seeks to explore the potential of storytelling through the collaboration of writers, readers, and enthusiasts in an environment that encourages diverse perspectives.

Renowned author Maekawa Otaro is at the helm, having crafted the opening parts of three unique stories, which participants will expand upon. The goal is to collectively create a single canonical narrative through a series of workshops and discussions.

The Collaborative Process

The process of story creation in Novel Colony is an innovative blend of relay writing and audition formats. Here's how it works:

1. A participant writes the opening part (Part 1) of the story.
2. Multiple participants will then write subsequent sections (Part 2) based on the opening.
3. During a public event known as the “Editorial Meeting,” authors and readers will discuss and decide on which continuation to pursue.
4. Finally, through participant voting, one storyline will be established as the official continuation.

This iterative process not only fosters collaboration but also ensures that the narrative evolves based on a consensus of all participants, rather than being dictated by a single author.

Opening Works by Maekawa Otaro

The stories crafted by Maekawa Otaro and published in the launch include:

• - Predator Domino (Tentative)
• - The Writer's Terrifying Step (Tentative)
• - The Carp's Bride (Tentative)

These diverse narratives span various themes and genres, encouraging participants to explore different directions in their writing.

Call for Writers and Participants

The Novel Colony is actively seeking contributions from individuals willing to continue the stories initiated by Maekawa Otaro. Whether you are a professional or an amateur writer, your submissions for the continuation of any of these three works are welcome. The submitted pieces will be showcased on Web platforms, allowing the community to engage with the ideas.

Moreover, the First Editorial Meeting will provide space for discussions about the narratives and for readers to engage in the process as well. This event is open to all, and those wishing to attend must register in advance.

Event Details:

• - Date: November 30, 2025, from 13:00 to 17:00 (registration starts from 12:30)
• - Venue: 100BANCH 3F, Shibuya, Tokyo
• - Cost: Free, registration required for participation.

Register Here: Event Registration

A Platform for Future Creators

The Novel Colony project represents a significant opportunity not only for creative expression but also for building consensus among diverse communities. Through storytelling, participants can engage in meaningful dialogue, develop mutual understanding, and explore consensus-building methods applicable in real-world scenarios.

The organizers, Ryutaro Sasaki and Hiroaki Kumagai, are dedicated to creating a new form of entertainment experience that unites people through shared narratives. This initiative encourages everyone to contribute their voice, making story creation an inclusive journey. Novel Colony is supported by 100BANCH, a facility dedicated to fostering innovation and experimentation for the next generation.

For more information about the Novel Colony, visit the official websites:

• - Novel Colony Official Site
• - 100BANCH Official Site
• - Follow us on social media for updates: On X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

Join Us in Shaping the Future of Storytelling!

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to become part of a collaborative narrative experience. Whether as a writer or a participant, your voice matters in shaping the future of storytelling. We look forward to seeing you at the First Editorial Meeting in Shibuya!