Unlocking Creativity: THE GARAGE Makerspace Event
Similarly to The DECK’s fabrication lab (FAB Lab), Kindai University, located in Higashi-osaka, has a makerspace called ‘THE GARAGE.’ On October 6th, THE GARAGE hosted an event called for the community where neighborhood companies and creators could show their work and connect. With think tanks, do-it-yourself projects, and guest speakers, THE GARAGE event brought together interactive, visual, and auditory experiences to showcase how innovation is constantly evolving.
Conversation about "Uselessness"
Tomokazu Morisawa, the CEO of The DECK, had the opportunity to host a Japanese inventor and YouTuber, Marina Fujiwara. Fujiwara develops ‘useless’ inventions that are ingenious and hilarious. For example, she recently created a machine connected to your head that turns verbal consent (saying different forms of “yes”) into headbanging while playing heavy metal music to amplify your verbal response. With over 100 thousand YouTube subscribers, 320 thousand followers on X, and being selected in 2021 as one of Forbes Japan’s “30 under 30 changing the world,” Fujiwara is a trailblazer in redefining manufacturing and creativity.
A machine that recreates a frozen zoom screen to escape social and business zoom meetings.
When conversing, Morisawa and Fujiwara discussed the meaning of uselessness. Fujiwara referenced American educator, Abraham Flexner by quoting, “I am pleading for the abolition of the word ‘use,’ and for the freeing of the human spirit.” The stress of being, doing, and creating something useful diminishes creativity and freedom. By pursuing uselessness, people may further expression and innovation in unforeseen ways. Fujiwara actualizes this mindset by finding joy and pleasure in creating what others may consider useless. She is able to create outside the bounds of societal standards and make what she enjoys: strange, interesting, and funny inventions.
Fabrication Lab Activities
At various stalls, a wide range of creative opportunities awaited participants. Activities such as a board game educating the public on national disaster action plans, bent wire keychains, tote bag decorating, string art, metal origami, and coaster making were all potential opportunities for students and community members.
Each booth had easy and well established instructions, increasing the accessibility of the product. It was an opportunity to learn through new activities where the outcome and experience brought incredible results.
The act of crafting not only offers a successful break from school or business-related tasks but it builds community and relationships. Sitting down next to others while working on a project creates an opportunity for meaningful connections.
Through makerspaces and fabrication labs, accessibility to high-tech equipment and instructions has created an unlimited amount of opportunities. The DECK is excited to continue it’s collaborations with other coworking spaces and FAB Labs in academic so we can learn from one another and provide users with creative opportunities and a vast networking system.
Check out our calendar or ask The DECK staff about upcoming event!
If you are interested in becoming a member or using The DECK’s facilities don’t hesitate to contact us or stop in!
