Fujitsu Limited and TechShop, Inc., an operator of eight membership-based, open-access DIY workshops and fabrication studios around the US(1), announce that today they have established TechShop Japan Limited and revealed details on location and timing of the first facility of its kind in Asia.
A driving force behind the maker movement(2), TechShop is a membership-based, open-access DIY workshop, equipped with professional-quality laser cutters, 3D printers, sewing machines, and metal and woodworking tools, making it easy for people to give form to their ideas. It also acts as an innovation hub, bringing together companies, ranging from startups to major corporations, as well as entrepreneurs, creators, students, investors, and local communities to engage and interact.
TechShop Tokyo, slated to open in the Ark Mori building in Minato-ku in early 2016, will be the first TechShop location to open in Asia. This is the outcome of a strategic partnership between TechShop and Fujitsu, aimed at promoting the maker movement.
This location will utilize professional-quality tools and the latest information and communication technology (ICT) in an expansive facility. It aims to create an open, community-based ecosystem where members can collaborate to refine their ideas and pursue their business goals.
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Latest Update
On Feburary 2020, TechShop Managing Director Arisaka Shoichi announced that TechShop will cease operations on their website
Reason for Establishing TechShop Japan
Fujitsu and TechShop, having a common vision of a society in which diverse people share knowledge and expand their imaginations to make new things, began a strategic partnership in 2014. The two companies are now taking this partnership a step further by establishing TechShop Japan, which aims to help create new projects and to support and expand businesses in Japan through open innovation.
About the Company
1. Company name: TechShop Japan Limited
2. Date established: October 1, 2015
3. Head office: Minato-ku, Tokyo (workshop: Ark Mori Bldg, 3F, 1-12-32, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
4. President & Representative Director: Shoichi Arisaka
5. Capital: JPY 100 million
6. Shareholder: Fujitsu Limited (100%)
7. Lines of business:
– Operating a membership-based, do-it-yourself workshop (equipped with laser cutters, 3D printers, metal and woodworking tools, and sewing machines)
– Education, sales, events, conference-room rentals, etc.
– Small-lot production and sales, contract manufacture, support for launching businesses
Facility
TechShop Japan, the first location in Asia, is to open in early 2016 in the Ark Mori Building, Minato-ku Tokyo. On October 1, 2015, a Facebook page will be launched describing TechShop Tokyo’s services and facilities, and providing information for prospective members. Along with providing training and services on par with TechShop in the US, TechShop Tokyo will build on the latest Fujitsu ICT and manufacturing support.
Comment from Hiroyuki Sakai, Corporate Executive Officer EVP, Fujitsu Limited
“At Fujitsu we believe that anyone, when provided with an empowering environment, can generate innovation. By establishing and operating TechShop Japan, Fujitsu will provide an environment in which people can get together and generate open innovation. Fujitsu will contribute both as an ICT company and a manufacturer, creating an environment that fosters the co-creation of ideas utilizing our latest ICT and helping to bring prototypes to mass production. Making full use of a variety of work tools and people’s creativity, Fujitsu will support the generation of innovation for society.”
Comment from Mark Hatch, CEO, TechShop
“TechShop’s mission is to help drive global innovation by engaging, enabling and empowering everyone to build their dreams. By helping to establish TechShop Japan today with TechShop Tokyo, we’re realizing that global mission and I’m proud to see the maker movement – with its focus on innovation and accessibility and opportunity for all – embraced and executed with the support of our partners at Fujitsu.”
What Is TechShop?
A driving force behind America’s maker movement, TechShop, a membership-based, open-access DIY workshop, was established in 2006 and currently operates eight locations around the US, with 6,000 members. TechShop facilities are equipped with professional-quality laser cutters, 3D printers, sewing machines, and metal and woodworking tools, making it easy for people to give form to their ideas, and bringing together companies, ranging from startups to major corporations, as well as entrepreneurs, creators, students, investors, and local communities in a place where open innovation happens every day.
For More Information
– December 8, 2014 press release: “TechShop and Fujitsu Partner to Empower Maker Movement”
– TechShop Japan Facebook
(1) Eight workshops around the US
Menlo Park CA, San Francisco CA, San Jose CA, Detroit MI, Austin TX, Pittsburgh PA, Chandler AZ, Washington DC.
(2) Maker movement
Defined by the journalist Chris Anderson, author of Makers, as digital manufacturing using digital files, CAD, and 3D printers.
About Fujitsu Ltd
Fujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company offering a full range of technology products, solutions and services. Approximately 162,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE: 6702) reported consolidated revenues of 4.8 trillion yen (US$46 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014.
