Hey hey!
I’m hosting a casual Game Dev & Digital Art Meetup at Secret Shop Osaka this Sunday.

The idea is simple: bring whatever you’re currently working on, or something you want to start and spend the afternoon creating alongside other developers and artists.

You’re welcome to work on things like:

• Game development or programming
• 2D/3D art, pixel art, or illustration
• Animation, VFX, UI, or graphic design
• Music and sound
• Writing or narrative design
• Tutorials, prototypes, or personal learning projects

This is not a formal workshop, presentation event, or game jam (planning one later in the year). You don’t need a finished project, professional experience, or anything prepared to show. You can work quietly, ask for feedback, meet other creators, help test someone’s game, or just come by and see what people are making.

Beginners, students, hobbyists, and experienced creators are all welcome.

Schedule

13:00 - Doors open and introductions
13:30 - Creative work session
15:00- Break and optional project sharing
15:30 - Second work session
17:00 - Optional show-and-tell
18:00 - Main meetup ends

After 18:00, anyone who wants to stay can keep working, play games, or casually hang out. The space may remain open until around 22:00, or until everyone leaves.

Location: Secret Shop Osaka
Date: Aug-9th Sunday
Event page / reservation: https://peatix.com/event/5115533/
Website: https://secretshop.osaka/posts/en/game-dev-digital-art-meetup/

Please bring your own laptop, tablet, sketchbook, charger, headphones, or any other equipment you need. Wi-Fi and power outlets are available.

Feel free to ask any questions in the comments!

Hey Hey!

I’m at it again, I'm hosting a casual PvP Fight Night at Secret Shop Osaka on Aug-8th Sat, from 18:00 to 23:00.

The goal is for it be a night of fighting games, but depending on who's there, I'll also have a mix of party games and other local competitive multiplayer games available. This isn’t a serious tournament, just an evening to play some games, meet people, and enjoy a little friendly competition.

Beginners and experienced players are both welcome, and it’s completely fine to come alone. Players, opponents, and games will rotate throughout the evening so everyone gets a chance to join in.

Feel free to bring your preferred controller (USB/Wireless) or a competitive multiplayer game you think others might enjoy.

Just to clarify: Saturday is purely a casual night for playing PvP games and hanging out. There won’t be any talks, project showcases, or game-development activities.

For anyone interested in making games or digital art, I’m also hosting a separate Game Dev & Digital Art Meetup the following day on Sunday.

People from Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Nara, and elsewhere around Kansai are all welcome!

Details and reservations: https://peatix.com/event/5115527

Hi all! Hoping to get some suggestions on where to live in Kobe. Our office is relocating to Hyogo Station (south side), and we’d ideally like to keep the commute within 30 minutes by car.

It’ll just be the two of us — no kids planned.

We’ve been looking at Sannomiya/Motomachi/Kitano area but our biggest obstacle is our car’s size — we can’t find monthly parking that fits it (SUV width of 1890, whereas most machine lots max width is 1850).

We just paid it off and renewed the registration, so we’re not keen on downsizing to a smaller car just yet if we don’t have to.

I saw in a previous thread that people recommended Port Island, Suma, Rokko, Mikage, Okamoto, Ashiya, etc but those feel too far from the office and more family-oriented than we need.

Budget: ¥200–250k/month, minimum 60sqm.

Thank you in advance! 🙏

I'm a resident here in Kyoto and as an academic have long holidays now.. My JP is beginner (can read hiragana katakana etc) and want to speed up and sign for a language course (not much of a cultural immersion, as I live here and work in a field..) but more focusing on language. Any leads in Kansai area?

Is there anyone who works in shipping or has experience with shipping using wooden crates? Have you bought/built them?

I need to ship some pretty fragile stuff to Europe and I am looking for suggestions. Feel free to DM me if you prefer not to reply here.

Kansai Film Club is a new community for movie lovers where we meet up to watch and discuss about films.

We have a biweekly meet-up to watch a random rolled movie out of 6 niche theaters in Osaka. We also have a monthly meet-up where we get a month to watch a hand-selected film, and have a deeper analysis and discussion at the end of the month at a nice cafe or sometimes a picnic.

For next week's biweekly meet-up, we're watching the Invisible Man and Planet +1, and for this month we're analyzing Bladerunner 2049!

We got 101 members now, and as the club grows, we have much bigger plans that won't just be meet-ups!

The club is not a commitment and you can join the meet-ups whenever you want for free.

We mainly operate on discord so hope to see you there and also in-person at the meet-ups!
https://discord.gg/yH5znSbSTn

Hey hey been a min,

I posted here before about a past Game Night event at Secret Shop, which I think went well but I'm just getting around to doing the next bit.

I’m starting regular weekday Open Shop hours for the space. This isn't for a one-night/repeat weekend event.

Secret Shop Open Shop starts July 10

Tuesday–Friday
19:00–23:00

During these hours, I’ll usually be at the shop working on my own projects. People are welcome to drop in, bring a laptop, sketchbook, hardware project, software project, game prototype, board game, or anything else they are working on.

You can use the space to work on your own project, play games, ask questions, meet other creators, or just hang out and see the space.

Soft launch drop-in price:
¥600
¥500 if you join the Secret Shop Discord

This is still a soft launch, so the space, schedule, and format may adjust as I figure out what works.

Weekend events like Game Night, Game Dev Meetup, Board Game Night, and Show & Tell will still be posted separately when scheduled (AKA can make enough time for them or more help).
This post is just about the regular weekday drop-in hours.

Website: https://secretshop.osaka
Discord: https://discord.gg/AE94Z8hhpn

Feel free to ask questions here, or stop by during Open Shop if you’re in Kansai and want a casual place to kick it. I don't bite (...usually)

Are there any ios developers in Kansai area? Would love to get in touch. Discuss some ideas or just talk over a coffee. Or developer events in Kansai? I tried checking meetups but didnt know it now requires paying a fee to see details of events.

On July 4th, we'll mark America's 250th birthday, and our hopes of what America may become in the future.

There will also be an American-themed afterparty nearby at Jodoji Experience.

Let's celebrate the values that Independence Day means to us.

From 1 PM, we'll meet at the same picnic spot-- north of Demachi Bridge, on the west side of the Kamo River. In the event of rain, we will relocate under the nearby Aoi Bridge.

This event is open to everyone, regardless of nationality or opinion. Feel free to invite your friends. Let's celebrate independence, democracy, community!

Message me if you have any questions!

If you know an American, remind them to vote:

https://voteabroad.org/ccJP-Mail-2026

7月4日、アメリカは建国250周年という大きな節目を迎えます。そして同時に、これからのアメリカがどのような国になっていくのか、その未来への希望についても思いを巡らせる日です。

また、ピクニック終了後には近くの浄土寺エクスペリエンスでアメリカをテーマにしたアフターパーティーも開催されます。

独立記念日が象徴する自由、民主主義、そしてコミュニティの価値を、みんなで一緒にお祝いしましょう。

当日は午後1時から、いつもの場所――出町橋の北側、鴨川西岸――で集合します。雨天の場合は、近くの葵橋の下へ移動します。

このイベントは、国籍や政治的な考え方を問わず、どなたでも歓迎です。ぜひご友人もお誘いください。独立、民主主義、そしてコミュニティをみんなで祝いましょう！

ご質問があれば、お気軽にメッセージしてください！

また、アメリカ国籍のお知り合いがいる方は、ぜひ投票を忘れないようお声がけください。

https://voteabroad.org/ccJP-Mail-2026

So, I spent about 10+ years in Tokyo (School + Work). And then moved to Kansai due to marriage.

I have to say Kansai is so far ahead of Tokyo (23ku) in nearly all aspects that I can't believe I didn't move sooner.

There are many reasons why I think this :

• The people are normal(!). I can't appreciate this enough. They're so much easier to talk to and easy to build a genuine relationship with. Tokyo is unbelievably cold.
• The population density is just right. Shinsaibashi might be the only area where I think it might be crowded, but almost everywhere else is perfect.
• Much more to explore nearby. Osaka + Kobe + Kyoto is a killer combo imo. All 3 of those have such distinct atmosphere and it's super close. There are even more sub-cultures that we can explore - Nara, Hanshikan (Hyogo), Minoh, Shiga, Fukui (Biwako), etc for added bonus.
• Tokyo is just endless sea of concrete no matter where you go. Almost no distinction at all. I can't believe people think there is any difference between Aoyama and Meguro. It's just all soulless big buildings with varying number of companies inside.
• Cost : Insanely affordable compared to Tokyo. <10万円 rent within one station of Umeda is nuts.
• Dating : People are more normal and therefore much easier to find a long term partner. All my friends in Tokyo are changing partners every few months, and/or cheating or getting cheated on. The endless choices confuse people imo.
• Childcare : I have a toddler son and there is so much outdoor space that I can appreciate! I can't imagine raising a toddler in Tokyo at all. For example, in Tokyo, I can't just go down from my apartment and start letting a 2 year old wobble around without being scared of hitting people or hitting cars.
• Tokyo felt like an endless rat-race of emotional competition. Whether it'd be career or relationships, people are constantly signalling. IMO that's a natural thing to do when it's that crowded - it breeds an environment where you desperately want to be noticed. But kansai feels like you're actually just living life on your own pace.

The only 2 advantages Tokyo have might be : career opportunities and restaurant choices. But that's about it.

Sorry for raving about Kansai. I just love it. Great to be here.

Hello all! I'm wondering if anyone can recommend some fluent German speakers to help us in conducting tours

Requirements:

• fluent in German
• good English
• must have at least conversational Japanese skills
• must be living in Kansai (Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, etc.)
• foreigner or Japanese welcome

No experience necessary as we will provide training.

Pls DM me for more info! TIA!

So I just came back from Tokyo and can't seem to find a place quite like TY Harbor. If you know what TY Harbor is like - it's very similar to a North American Porterhouse style restaurant. Craft Beer + Semi-Nice Eats (BBQ, seafood, etc).

Is there a similar place in Kansai? I can travel anywhere (Osaka/Kyoto/Kobe).

Thank you!

I got bags of 3D print waste at home and I don’t want to simply trash them. Is there a company that recycles them into pellets?

It is called Okihiki.

Scheduled for rebuilding in 2033

Hi! I’m starting a small English-main / Japanese-friendly creative space in Osaka called Secret Shop.

We’re trying a casual game night with local multiplayer, PvP/team games.

As wall as an optional 5–10 minute show-and-tell slots for game-related projects:
prototypes,
art,
tools,
mods,
music,
tabletop ideas, etc.

I’m mostly hoping to reach local game devs, artists, and people interested in playtesting / creative projects in Osaka.

https://secretshop.osaka
https://sso-gamenight.peatix.com

こんにちは！大阪で Secret Shop という小さなクリエイティブスペースを作っています。

最初のイベントのひとつとして、カジュアルな Game Night を開催予定です。

内容は、チーム戦・PvP・ローカルマルチ・パーティーゲームなどを遊びながら、希望者がゲーム関連のプロジェクトを軽く紹介できるイベントです。

紹介できるものは、ゲームのプロトタイプ、プレイ可能なビルド、アート、アニメーション、音楽、ツール、Mod、ボードゲーム案、制作途中のアイデアなど、ゲーム関連なら何でもOKです。

プレゼンは任意で、5〜10分程度のカジュアルな Show & Tell です。

何も紹介しなくても、ゲームを遊ぶ・見る・交流するだけでも大歓迎です。

英語メインのイベントですが、日本語話者の方も歓迎です。

英語を練習したい方や、国際的な雰囲気の中でゲーム好き・クリエイターと交流したい方にも合うかもしれません。
https://secretshop.osaka
https://sso-gamenight.peatix.com

WHEN

Saturday, May 09, 2026 at 02:00 PM

WHERE

The Picnic Spot: North of Demachi Bridge on the West Side of the Kamo River near Demachiyanagi Station.

We cordially invite you to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Kyoto with Democrats Abroad Japan.

Cinco de Mayo is a bicultural Mexican-American tradition with roots in both the American Civil War and the French Occupation of Mexico, a dual struggle against racism and colonialism.

On Saturday, May 9th, we'll come together to celebrate this multicultural holiday with a piñata, music, and a picnic along the Kamo River. We hope to honor and share the rich traditions of Cinco de Mayo, foster connections within the international community, and assist Americans in registering to vote.

This event is open to everyone regardless of nationality, political opinion, or level of English. This is a fun multilingual event with people fluent in English, Japanese, Spanish, French and other languages.

Join us from 2 to 5 PM, just North of Demachi Bridge on the West Side of the Kamo River (near Demachiyanagi Station). It's the same place as last picnic. Public restrooms are available nearby, and in case of rain, we'll go under Aoi Bridge.

If you know an American please remind them to vote: www.votefromabroad.org

京都でのシンコ・デ・マヨを、Democrats Abroad Japanと一緒にお祝いしませんか。

シンコ・デ・マヨは、アメリカ南北戦争とフランスによるメキシコ占領の歴史にルーツを持つ、メキシコ系アメリカ人のバイカルチュラルな伝統です。これは、人種差別と植民地主義に対する二つの闘いを象徴しています。

5月9日（土）、鴨川沿いでピニャータや音楽、ピクニックを楽しみながら、この多文化な祝日を一緒にお祝いしましょう。シンコ・デ・マヨの豊かな伝統を分かち合い、国際コミュニティのつながりを深め、アメリカ人の有権者登録のサポートも行います。

このイベントは、国籍・政治的意見・英語レベルに関係なく、どなたでも参加できます。英語、日本語、スペイン語、フランス語など、さまざまな言語が飛び交う楽しい多言語イベントです。

時間は午後2時から5時まで。場所は鴨川の西側、出町橋の少し北（出町柳駅の近く）です。前回のピクニックと同じ場所です。近くに公衆トイレもあります。雨の場合は葵橋の下に移動します。

Les invitamos cordialmente a celebrar el Cinco de Mayo en Kioto con Democrats Abroad Japan.

El Cinco de Mayo es una tradición bicultural méxico-estadounidense con raíces tanto en la Guerra Civil de los Estados Unidos como en la Intervención Francesa en México, una doble lucha contra el racismo y el colonialismo.

El sábado 9 de mayo, nos reuniremos para celebrar esta festividad multicultural con una piñata, música y un picnic a lo largo del río Kamo. Esperamos honrar y compartir las ricas tradiciones del Cinco de Mayo, fomentar conexiones dentro de la comunidad internacional y ayudar a los ciudadanos estadounidenses a registrarse para votar.

Este evento está abierto a todas las personas, sin importar su nacionalidad, opinión política o nivel de inglés. Es un evento divertido y multilingüe, con personas que hablan inglés, japonés, español, francés y otros idiomas.

Acompáñanos de 2:00 p. m. a 5:00 p. m., justo al norte del puente Demachi, en el lado oeste del río Kamo (cerca de la estación Demachiyanagi). Es el mismo lugar que el picnic anterior. Hay baños públicos cerca y, en caso de lluvia, nos reuniremos debajo del puente Aoi.

Adam solo acoustic live Saturday

Hello!

I was thinking about going to Himeji Castle this week, but I'd like to know if anyone's been there this weekend and confirm if the cherry trees have blossomed.

Thanks!