—Could you briefly tell me about your background?

Yes, I graduated from a fashion design school and got a job at an apparel company. I was in charge of PR there, and then I moved to an IT consulting company. After working there for about a year, I became independent and have been working as a freelance digital marketing consultant for over eight years.

The reason I moved from the fashion industry to the IT industry was because I was vaguely interested in a job where I could work while traveling with just a laptop. Also, I had been creating websites since I was in junior high school, so I was quite knowledgeable about the web.

—What countries have you visited since becoming a freelancer?

Initially, I moved to Taiwan after being invited by a friend. After living there for two years, partly due to the impact of the pandemic, I decided I wanted to travel around Japan. In Japan, I went wherever I wanted without any set schedule. I even went to Ishikawa, Fukui, and Okinawa prefectures three times each (laughs). Everywhere I went, the food was delicious, the roads were clean, and the service level was high. The security is also good. More recently, I've traveled to various parts of Thailand and Bali in Indonesia, among other Asian countries.

— What are your reasons for looking for a coworking space, Seiko?

When I had a home in Tokyo, I made it "work-first" (equipped with the necessary facilities), which made it comfortable, but, well, I was all alone. To alleviate that feeling of loneliness, I think a coworking space with active community activities is perfect. Also, since creating a suitable work environment is the top priority (in a nomadic lifestyle), I always choose a coworking space before a hotel.

— What did you think of using S-TOKYO for three months?

In a word, it was wonderful. The people were kind, and I had a very pleasant experience. Everyone I met there didn't judge others or have biased views. They had a very sensitive understanding of new things and cultural differences, and they didn't make judgments like "that's good, that's bad," which gave me a sense of security.

I think S-TOKYO is a comfortable place for people who are proactive about trying new things and who value their own values.

Like myself, I think digital nomads are people who are willing to change their entire environment for what they believe is best. There's a sense of "comfort" here, so it's perfect for people who are willing to take action to create their ideal environment.

Because the company that operates the hotel (LINNAS Kanazawa) is also the one that runs this place, they are used to people with diverse values and who travel, and they are able to accept them with a gentle and understanding attitude.

— What are your impressions of the S-TOKYO staff?

I found all the staff to be friendly yet highly hospitable and kind. I was particularly impressed by Yuka, who checked me in on my first day; she seemed very nervous but was incredibly kind and helpful. She's serious and hardworking. Kei, the barista, provides different latte art every time and has a fun personality that makes conversation about all sorts of things. Ilija is talkative and talks a lot about travel, history, and so on. Every single cell of Chichi is hospitality (laughs). Even as we grew closer (with the coworking members), the service level remained consistent without becoming sloppy or cutting corners, and I was amazed at how we all became closer and closer.

— Are there any memorable experiences you had interacting with people at S-TOKYO?

There are many things to enjoy, but spending time on the rooftop was especially wonderful. During the pre-opening period, it was just a sterile concrete space, but now it's covered entirely in artificial turf and has become a relaxing place with various amenities. There are even cute little herbs and exercise equipment. On sunny days, you can set up parasols and chairs and enjoy lunch or coffee time.

On the rooftop, I had enjoyable conversations with a variety of people. We talked about everything from work progress and hobbies to how we spend our holidays, current events, and even love.

Being able to enjoy this wonderful corner is one of the attractions of S-TOKYO.

Also, although it's not an experience at a co-working space, I was impressed by a page I read in a booklet commemorating the 3rd anniversary of LINNAS Design (the company that operates S-TOKYO).

—So, the page in the booklet you're referring to is the one about the community that says, "This is your place. Please come back anytime." Will you come back to S-TOKYO again?

Of course I'll come back. I'm always looking for a place where I feel comfortable. S-TOKYO had such a good vibe that I came here almost every day and felt refreshed! This comfortable atmosphere is addictive (laughs).

—Please come back anytime! We'll be waiting for you!

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Comments from community curators

Seiko-san has been using S-TOKYO as a Monthly Member since its pre-opening. We know there were many areas where we fell short, but she warmly supported us by listening to our concerns as we prepared for the grand opening and giving us expert marketing advice. The entire S-TOKYO crew is truly grateful! Personally, I had a wonderful three months spending lots of fun time with Seiko-san! We will continue to work hard to make S-TOKYO a place where people seeking richer lives can find peace.

Thank you so much, Seiko!

S-TOKYO Chichi