Colive Fukuoka 2023 – Post Event Updates
Colive Fukuoka, the first digital nomad international gathering in Japan, took place in October 2023. Under the concept of ‘Connect, Collaborate, Colive.’ about 50 digital nomads from 24 countries/regions gathered, lived, worked, and connected with locals all together.
The highlights of the program are all in the video! and the real experience of ColiveFukuoka 2023 is beautifully shared in his point of view of Sergio Sala. 🏡The accommodation 💻Coworking Spaces 💰Cost of Living
At World Workation Conference in Fukuoka, a team of international digital nomads engaged in discussions with digital nomads and government officials about the future of the digital nomad visa and its potential impacts in Japan and the Kyushu area, specially in Fukuoka, known for being a startup hub.
This October 2023, a unique event is set to take place in Kyushu, Japan – Colive Fukuoka. This month-long digital nomad retreat is a testament to Japan’s growing appeal to the global digital nomad community.
Despite the recent boom in inbound tourism since Japan opened its borders to foreign tourists, the country has not been traditionally known as a digital nomad hotspot. However, that’s about to change.
Colive Fukuoka is an initiative designed to welcome digital nomads and remote workers, offering them a conducive environment to connect, collaborate, and immerse in the rich Japanese culture.
The Rise of the Digital Nomad Movement
The digital nomad movement is growing at an unprecedented rate. Millions of people around the world are now choosing to work remotely, leveraging technology to live and work from anywhere.
Popular destinations such as Bali, Chiang Mai, and Lisbon have seen a surge in digital nomads, attracted by their affordable cost of living, vibrant communities, and their allure as captivating travel destinations. In addition, many countries have introduced digital nomad visas In the recent few years, to attract this new wave of professionals, recognizing the economic and cultural benefits they bring.
Japan: The Emerging Digital Nomad Destination
Japan is poised to become the next hot destination for digital nomads. Known for its unique blend of tradition and modernity, Japan offers a clean, safe, and efficient living environment.
Its fast internet infrastructure, affordable living costs compared to many western countries, beautiful landscapes and its unique culture make it an attractive choice for digital nomads.
In April 2023, the Japanese government announced that it is considering introducing a digital nomad visa, further enhancing its appeal.
Unveiling Co-live Fukuoka
Co-live Fukuoka is a month-long retreat designed to provide digital nomads with a unique opportunity to live, work, and connect in the heart of Japan.
This event, which is expected to host around 30 to 50 digital nomads from all around the world, is more than just a temporary living arrangement. It’s a carefully curated experience that aims to foster a sense of community, inspire collaboration, and offer a deep dive into the local culture.
Now, let’s take a look at what Colive Fukuoka is all about.
Fukuoka: A City of Harmony and Innovation
Fukuoka, the host city for the Colive Fukuoka, is a dynamic blend of history, innovation, and natural beauty. Known as the gateway to Asia, Fukuoka is a vibrant city that seamlessly merges the old with the new.
Its rich history is evident in its well-preserved temples and traditional festivals, while its innovative spirit shines through its thriving startup scene. The city is also blessed with natural beauty, from its serene parks and beaches to its scenic hiking trails.
Fukuoka’s friendly and welcoming atmosphere further enhances its appeal, making it an ideal location for the Colive Fukuoka event.
Fukuoka City, along with the Fukuoka Convention & Visitors Bureau, are actively encouraging international digital nomads to visit the city and experience its unique and vibrant culture.
Colive Fukuoka was born as a part of this effort, commissioned to yugyo inc. to create and host the region’s pinoneering retreat designed specifically for digital nomads.
The municipality’s involvement is a testament to their commitment to fostering innovation and diversity, and to making Fukuoka a welcoming city for digital nomads and remote workers from around the world.
The Colive Fukuoka Program: A Blend of Work, Play, and Exploration
The Colive Fukuoka program is designed to provide a holistic experience that combines work, play, and exploration. The schedule is packed with a variety of activities and workshops, all designed to foster collaboration and community.
Colive Fukuoka community activities
When you join the Colive Fukuoka program, the community fee covers a wide array of services and experiences designed to make your stay as enriching and enjoyable as possible.
You’ll have the support of a dedicated community manager throughout your stay, ensuring you have everything you need.
The month-long Colive Fukuoka program is packed with engaging activities. It kicks off with a welcome ceremony where you can indulge in authentic Japanese cuisine. The festivities continue with a Halloween party and culminate in a farewell gathering to say goodbye to your new friends.
In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Fukuoka City on an open-air bus tour and visit a local Sake brewery. And that’s just the beginning – there’s even more exciting experiences awaiting you.
The program is uniquely crafted to foster interaction and collaboration with local startups, social communities, and students, through a variety of events planned by the Colive Fukuoka team. This provides a unique insight into the local culture and economy.
Furthermore, you’ll enjoy free access to a variety of coworking spaces scattered across the city (within certain time limits), where you can work on your projects in diverse and inspiring environments.
If you’re interested in exploring deeper into Japanese lifestyle or nature, there are additional experiences available for a fee. These include cycling, yoga, beach activities, and excursion tours.
Towards the latter part of the program, a three-night excursion tour is arranged. This isn’t just about experiencing Fukuoka city, but also about connecting participants with the broader charm of the Kyushu region.
These optional activities offer a great way to tailor your Colive Fukuoka experience to your personal interests and make the most of your time in Japan.
| Event | Colive Fukuoka, Japan |
| Dates | October 1-31, 2023 |
| Location | Fukuoka, Japan |
| Website | https://colivefukuoka.com/ |
| No. of participants | Expected around 30 nomads |
| Community fee | 1 month: 699 USD 2 weeks: 499 USD 1 week: 229 USD 1 day: 39 USD |
| Accommodation fee | lyf Tenjin Fukuoka 1 month special deal (private room): 225,060 JPY (approx. 1650 USD) *Each participant books directly with the hotel *You can also arrange your accommodation on your own |
The Colive Fukuoka program spans an entire month, but it’s flexible to accommodate varying schedules. You can join for a shorter period, or even just for a day. However, the program is thoughtfully designed to offer a comprehensive experience of the digital nomad lifestyle in Japan.
With a diverse array of activities, from cultural excursions and parties to meetups, it’s highly recommended to stay for a longer period to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Accommodation at Colive Fukuoka
lyf Tenjin Fukuoka is the official accommodation partner for Colive Fukuoka. As an international coliving brand, lyf is renowned for creating comfortable and convenient living environments tailored to the needs of remote workers. With top-notch amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, a coworking lounge, shared kitchen, and laundry facilities, you’ll have everything you need to feel at home. The one-month accommodation fee, exclusively available to Colive Fukuoka participants, offers exceptional value for money.
Access to 10+ coworking spaces in central Fukuoka
In collaboration with TeamPlace, a leading coworking space platform in Japan, the participants of Colive Fukuoka will be granted access to around 10 coworking spaces throughout central Fukuoka. This not only ensures an optimal remote work environment but also opens up opportunities to mingle with people from the city’s dynamic local startup scene.
This unique arrangement certainly further enriches the Colive Fukuoka experience, fostering connections and collaborations beyond the confines of the program.
A typical day at Colive Fukuoka
A typical day at Colive Fukuoka offers a balance of freedom and community engagement. During weekdays, morning and afternoon activities are available, but participation is entirely up to you. Those wishing to work can find comfort in a coworking space or a café. For those interested in community interaction, they are warmly welcomed to join in.
Evenings often see the group gathering for communal meals, and on Friday nights, participants are encouraged to explore the vibrant nightlife of Fukuoka city.
The Foundation of Colive Fukuoka: A Vision of Community and Collaboration
Colive Fukuoka is an initiative by yugyo inc., a forward-thinking marketing company deeply rooted in the principles of community and collaboration. Yugyo specializes in creating unique coliving experiences, and Colive Fukuoka is their latest endeavor. The event is designed to create a space where people from different backgrounds and professions can live, work, and create together, inspiring new ideas and projects (and have fun, of course).
At the helm of yugyo Inc. is Ryo Osera, a seasoned professional with a rich background in digital marketing and tourism. As an executive advisor to the Japan Workcation Association, Ryo brings invaluable insights into the evolving dynamics of work and travel.
His entrepreneurial journey includes co-founding HafH, a successful subscription-based coliving platform, which has given him a deep understanding of Japan’s startup ecosystem as well as its grinds and hustles.
When asked about the motivation behind his initiative, Ryo shared his insights. “Having spent over five years as a digital nomad, I’ve always believed that Japan could foster vibrant digital nomad communities similar to the ones I’ve encountered, especially in Asia.”
“With the continued rise of remote work, I’m confident that digital nomads can unlock significant potential in Japan, particularly in its rural regions.”
While Ryo was presenting at various conferences on the market value of digital nomads, the city of Fukuoka showed interest in a potential collaboration. “Fukuoka is akin to the capital of Kyushu, where my hometown, Nagasaki, is situated. Kyushu’s economic impact is on par with that of the Netherlands, and the island’s potential is vast.
“Fukuoka offers an exceptional environment, with its close proximity to the airport, its reputation as one of Japan’s premier foodie destinations, the local population’s openness to foreigners due to its position as the gateway to Asia, its status as a startup hub, and easy access to the stunning natural landscapes in areas like Kumamoto and Oita.”
When questioned about the future of the digital nomad scene in Japan, Ryo stressed, “Community and connections are most important for digital nomads. Yet, language barriers, cultural differences, and geographical distance have so far kept Japan somewhat removed from the digital nomad community. However, I believe this is set to change. Particularly for Japan, which is wrestling with societal issues such as population decline and aging, the influx of digital nomads could be highly beneficial.”
“In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work has become the norm in Japan, and young Japanese people are adopting work styles significantly different from traditional Japanese practices. Their skills, their appreciation for diversity, and above all, their passion for living not only in cities but also in rural areas, unquestionably render Japan’s countryside extremely appealing to digital nomads.”
Ryo anticipates that it won’t be long before Japan, and specifically Fukuoka, are recognized as go-to destinations for digital nomads in Asia. “If Fukuoka’s allure reaches digital nomads globally, it will facilitate connections with digital nomad communities in East Asia, such as those in South Korea and Taiwan. Our goal is to cultivate a refined community in Far East Asia, offering a unique appeal distinct from renowned digital nomad hotspots like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia,” he concluded.
The team behind Colive Fukuoka includes Akina Shu, a seasoned digital nomad and a podcaster. Akina has been living the nomadic lifestyle for over three years, presenting at digital nomad events and conferences worldwide. She’s the driving force behind Nomad University, a program dedicated to the digital nomad lifestyle, and has interviewed over 50 digital nomads during her global travels.
We asked Akina about the appeal of Fukuoka and Japan for digital nomads. As a seasoned traveler and digital nomad herself, she shared her insights on what makes a location attractive to this growing community.
“In my experience, there are five common elements that make a place a digital nomad hotspot. First, there are events like community gatherings, festivals, and summits for digital nomads. Second, the entry requirements to the country are straightforward, and visa applications can be completed online. Third, the location has a good internet environment, safe surroundings, and a wide variety of food options. Fourth, there is easy access to transportation, natural beauty like mountains or sea, and nightlife. Lastly, the place is diverse and has a startup-friendly atmosphere.”
“Throughout my travels, I’ve often heard from other nomads that ‘Japan is in my top priorities for visiting!’ However, until now, Japan hasn’t really been a popular destination for digital nomads. That said, Japan already fulfills the third and fourth elements, and Fukuoka in particular, meets the fifth. As for the first element, with the launch of initiatives like Colive Fukuoka, we’re building a community that welcomes digital nomads in Japan. Regarding the second element, the future looks promising with the Japanese government’s proactive consideration of issuing digital nomad visas to Japan.”
“I am convinced that 2023 will be a pivotal year for Japan, a moment when all five elements align. With Fukuoka as the starting point, I believe this will be the inaugural year for the nomad era in Japan,” Akina affirmed.
Message from Colive Fukuoka team
“Whether you’ve visited Japan before or not, we’ve prepared numerous experiences designed to reshape your perception of Japan. This pop-up event, which has garnered attention from both the city of Fukuoka and the Japanese government, is set to be a groundbreaking event for Japan’s future.
Those who participate play a pivotal role in shaping and changing the future of Japan. We hope that your enjoyment and engagement will help open the doors of Japan, a country that may sometimes perceived secluded. We would be thrilled if you could join and contribute to this exciting evolution.”
In conclusion, Colive Fukuoka is not just an event, but a movement. It’s a bold initiative that aims to redefine the way we live and work, and to show the world that Japan is ready to welcome the digital nomad community with open arms.
