Making, on the move.
Tabisuru Makers Lab is a mobile workshop for community design.
Equipped with tools for making things — 3D printers, laser cutters, and a range of other tools.
I research each region, decode its character in local materials, ways of living, and culture, and make something of it.
I run community design workshops across Japan.
Hiro Namekawa
2nd year Master's Student, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University
Member of the Kobayashi Hiroto Lab
I'm Hiro Namekawa, a second-year master's student at the Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University. As a member of the Kobayashi Hiroto Lab, which specializes in architecture and community building, I research how to read the “local character” of a place and create things and stories that feel true to it, through fieldwork and practice in Japan and abroad.
Anything already around us can become something more exciting — just by looking at it a little differently, or adding a little something. Society is full of seeds waiting to bloom into excitement.
My goal is to find those seeds, nurture them, and help that excitement bloom.
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1. Find a seed
Through walks and fieldwork,
I look for the things and moments that could become seeds.
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2. Hold the seed
I research and sketch,
observing that seed closely.
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3. Grow the seed
Using the seed as a starting point,
I prototype and design.
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4. Bloom the excitement
I create new things and experiences that spark excitement,
for anyone who knows the seed and anyone who doesn't.
Click the seeds and pick them up!Tap the seeds and pick them up!
Bring the tools of making
to your town!
Tabisuru Makers Lab carries 3D printers, laser cutters, tools, and all kinds of other equipment for making. Wherever I park, I can start making right away.
See the workshop and equipment →Recent activities
A look at my workshops, school outreach classes, and other recent activities.
Exhibiting at Maker Faire Tokyo 2026
I exhibited Tabisuru Makers Lab and my past projects, and received the Grand Prize at Young Maker Challenge 2026.
International Workshop MOKU 2026
We held an international workshop where participants from abroad experienced forestry, daily life, and architecture in Japan.
Tane Time-Travel Sugoroku
We ran an outreach class where students think about Tane's past and future through play.
The Black of Kurokabe! Let's Make Signs with Black Plaster
In Nagahama, I ran a workshop making keychains and signs with kuro-shikkui, the black plaster found around the town.
News from Tabisuru Makers Lab
I was honored at the award ceremony at the Maker Faire Tokyo 2026 venue.
I showed Tabisuru Makers Lab and my past projects.
Thank you for supporting Tabisuru Makers Lab!
Through crowdfunding on for-good.net, 57 supporters gave ¥530,000, and I reached my goal of ¥500,000. Thanks to you, the workshop was completed and I was able to set out on my journey. Thank you so much.
View the project page →
Tabisuru Makers Lab can come to your town too!
Leave a “Please come to our town!”
on the map. Anonymous is fine.
Has pins
Tap a prefecture where you'd like me to visit.
Drop a pin
Tap a prefecture where you'd like me to visit.