VOL.7 About working in Onomichi｜ONOMICHI SHARE
For Tokyo’s creative workers, where work and personal life are intertwined, the working environment undoubtedly influences daily life to some extent. For those individuals, I would recommend visiting ONOMICHI SHARE, the first shared office space opened in Onomichi. Engaging with the concierge, Mr. Goto Shun, can be a catalyst for significant changes in one’s perspective on work and life.
Japan’s way of working is undergoing a significant transformation. One of the changes is the rise of telework, which has become more common, especially in IT companies and creative professions in Tokyo, since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the possibility of new ways of working, the challenge now is to reassess one’s ideal lifestyle and create a work environment that aligns with it. In Onomichi, the embodiment of this transformation is ONOMICHI SHARE, a coworking space. Through this coworking space, people not only work but also connect with various individuals in Onomichi. This experience allows those accustomed to working in Tokyo, where reflection on work and lifestyle may be limited, to pause and contemplate their work and way of living.
What is work ?
After working in Tokyo for nearly a decade, one’s working style tends to become patternized. With an increasing network within the industry, work becomes easier in a positive sense. However, amidst the evolving environment, there are times when one’s priorities in work may become blurred. In such moments, finding a place to return to one’s roots becomes a saving grace. One such rarity, scarcely encountered in Tokyo, is “ONOMICHI SHARE”. Visiting this place, conversations with concierge Jun Goto flow effortlessly. Through his skillful storytelling, one’s experiences and joys are drawn out. This act of self-explanation is crucial, as without understanding oneself, effective communication is hindered, ultimately leading to a reevaluation of one’s values regarding work and lifestyle.
“As a concierge, I aim not only to provide a workspace but also to offer moments of comfort for each individual. The type of work one desires is often equivalent to the choice of how they live and spend their time. Similar to suggesting a restaurant based on someone’s preferences, it’s essential to first understand the person. By eliciting values towards work and various aspects of life, as well as expectations during their stay, I strive to propose tailored suggestions.” (Goto)
Within the systematic shared offices of Tokyo, such deeply personal interactions are seldom experienced. Conversations with Goto serve as one of the catalysts for expanding connections in Onomichi.
Finding companions beyond work
One reason people may choose to venture from Tokyo to regional areas to establish their work environment is the hope of encountering local people and new perspectives. While Tokyo offers established venues for socializing over drinks or enjoying music, in unfamiliar areas, individuals may not know which establishments to visit to connect with the local community or how to foster closer ties. This is where Goto-san comes in. He takes cues from the values of the people he meets to expand his mental imagery and contemplate where and with whom someone might have interesting interactions.
“During the state of emergency in 2021, when I launched a project to support a local brewery through online streaming, I enlisted the assistance of a writer who frequented that brewery and was a regular user of ‘ONOMICHI SHARE’. Since we were both migrants, I thought our compatibility would be good. The live stream went smoothly, but the interesting part came afterward. The writer’s involvement led to them producing an article for their local media outlet, which then led to a job interviewing the brewery. This is just one example, but starting from ‘ONOMICHI SHARE’, small connections like this can lead to work opportunities,” says Goto-san.
This anecdote shared by Goto-san may seem trivial, but it speaks volumes about the essence of human connections. Even if work or life stages change in Tokyo, people often maintain some connection with others due to shared interests or values. Whether they meet through work or not, maintaining connections often relies on shared hobbies or values. Goto-san’s approach to fostering connections aligns closely with this principle, as he links individuals based on their personal preferences and values, assessing compatibility along the way. As a result, there’s a higher likelihood of forming relationships where individuals can stimulate and respect each other.
How do you wanna live ?
“At ‘ONOMICHI SHARE,’ people with various hobbies and interests, engaging in work across different genres, come together daily to deepen their interactions and exchanges. Here, small-scale collaborations between individuals emerge, and at times, they even come together to contribute to the community. One notable event was during the 2018 Western Japan floods. When Onomichi faced water shortages, individuals connected through ‘ONOMICHI SHARE’ collaborated to create and continuously update a map and portal site, compiling information on available wells and open eateries in the area. Experiencing firsthand how their efforts could benefit the community fostered a sense of connection to the region, leading to a greater sense of purpose and belonging.
“I believe that the users of ‘ONOMICHI SHARE’ are assets to the community. While some visit with clear objectives, many return simply because they love Onomichi. However, through repeated visits, they may start to think, ‘I want to do something here myself.’ At that point, they may grapple with how to leverage their skills and abilities in a different environment from urban areas. By organizing these thoughts and realizing how to utilize them effectively, they find motivation for their work and life. Furthermore, when they receive gratitude from others in a familiar environment, they begin to feel a stronger sense of belonging and worth. Ultimately, it’s not just about the work itself but about the connections with others. As these experiences accumulate, they become even more reasons to return to Onomichi.”
An environment conducive to generating new ideas.
In Onomichi, where there are few places with Wi-Fi environments suitable for working in the city, “ONOMICHI SHARE,” equipped with sufficient office facilities, is a valuable asset for teleworkers. While Tokyo boasts a plethora of cafes and shared office spaces to choose from, the location overlooking the sea is unique to “ONOMICHI SHARE.” This distinctive position attracts creators who prefer telework, as it’s something not commonly found in Tokyo.
With the Onomichi Strait stretching right in front of the building, the sense of openness compared to the cramped coworking spaces in Tokyo is incomparable. The space, which was originally a warehouse, has been renovated to provide a relaxed atmosphere with adequately spaced seating, allowing individuals to work at their own pace. Moreover, the furniture used here is unified with designer antiques, aiming to create an environment conducive to generating new ideas. Working in a place with a preferred view should undoubtedly facilitate productivity.
The initial motivation to visit Onomichi may simply be “because I wanted to see it.” However, to become a repeat visitor, one must not only appreciate the atmosphere of the town but also feel a connection with the people of the community, making them want to return multiple times. Having emotional connections with people or places becomes a reason to visit. While having work there is a plus, the work itself is secondary. Meeting with Goto-san provides a great opportunity to reexamine how one wants to live moving forward.
Interview cooperation: ONOMICHI SHARE
Photography: Moron Non
Interview and article: Marina Haga (Harumari TOKYO editorial team)ONOMICHI SHARE
2-10-24 Dodo, Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture
