[ASIBA Class Report] Day 6 'Raising the Pillars' | ASIBA

I’m Kagami, an ASIBA Student Supporter! As a member of the organizing team, I’ll be sharing updates on the program and highlights from our third cohort.

The ASIBA Creative Incubation Program, now in its third cohort, is designed for individuals aged 30 and under working in creative fields. It fosters “creative entrepreneurship that moves back and forth between inquiry and practice” and aims to foster social impact. On June 21, we held DAY 6—an internal review session—at Kameido Garage in Tokyo. With just one month remaining until DEMO WEEK, we decided to hold this internal review session in a new format. What kind of feedback will the participants receive on their respective projects?

Creating a Space

The venue for this event was “Kameido Garage,” which will serve as ASIBA’s new base. Located in the traditional downtown area of Kameido, it is a 60-year-old building currently undergoing renovation by the members themselves. Traces of the past remain everywhere, while state-of-the-art equipment is gradually being installed. About 30 participants from the third cohort gathered in this vibrant space where the past and future intersect. Some participants arrived early in the morning—and a few even came the day before to prepare their exhibits. Since Kameido Garage is still under development, there were no designated exhibition spaces or display fixtures available. The participants used whatever materials and tools were at hand to build their exhibition spaces with their own hands.

FIG.2

FIG.3

FIG.4

Telling Stories Through Objects, Communicating Through Words

The rule for DAY 6’s internal review session was “No Presentations.” Up until now, participants had communicated their ideas through words during mentoring sessions and pitches. This time, however, the focus was on the actual experience provided by the “objects” themselves, so explanations of the exhibits were limited to the works themselves and accompanying explanatory materials. With exhibition preparations complete, it was finally time for judging. This time, not only mentors but also third-term participants and organizing committee members served as evaluators, experiencing each other’s exhibits and filling out feedback sheets with candid comments and scores. Afterward, the aggregated evaluation results were shared, followed by a general review and reflections on individual exhibits. The program is now entering its final stages. With less than a month remaining until DEMO WEEK—and looking beyond that—we openly shared our thoughts and expectations with one another.

FIG.5

FIG.6

Turning the Heat into Motivation

—What was your mindset as you made your way to the venue today?

(Fuwariii.・Aiko Hirano) Since we were expected to bring physical items today, I set up my exhibit hoping that everyone could experience—even just a little—what I’m trying to do. Time was really tight, and to be honest, it’s not quite in a form I’m 100% satisfied with, but since I’ve managed to complete the first phase, I want to pick up the pace and refine it further from here.

—What did you think of the venue, Kameido Garage? I think it had a unique atmosphere you don’t find just anywhere.

(Aiko Hirano) More than anything, it was pretty hot (laughs). Of course, part of it was the physical heat from the lack of air conditioning, but more than that, I really felt the heat generated by the energy of the crowd. Creating a space this full of energy is something I’ve been aiming for myself, so today was a great source of inspiration.

──The program is finally nearing its end. To wrap things up, please share your thoughts on what lies ahead.

(Aiko Hirano) With DEMO WEEK approaching, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t feeling any pressure at all. But it’s precisely because I participated in ASIBA that I’ve been able to make it this far. I want to give it my all for the remainder of the program so that I can say that with confidence.

In Closing

Where to place what, how to convey it, and what kind of response we’ll get—the DAY 6 internal critique session served as a testing ground for DEMO WEEK.How will the feedback each person received and the way they engaged with the space be incorporated into their final presentations? As we approach the final stretch, the third-year students will keep running without stopping.

I’m Kagami, an ASIBA Student Supporter! As a member of the organizing team, I’ll be sharing updates on the program and highlights from our third cohort.