Immediately after exiting the Showa Dori Exit of Akihabara Station, you will see the simple, geometrical exterior of the YKK Corporation headquarters building. Behind it is the Monozukurikan by YKK.

In stark contrast to the formal impression of the head office building, the interior of the Monozukurikan by YKK, which can be seen from the entrance, exudes a warmth. The Monozukurikan by YKK opened in 2015 and will soon be celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Teppei Fujimaki joined YKK Corporation as a new graduate and was in charge of zipper sales and product development in Japan and overseas. He is currently involved in planning and running workshops at the "Monozukurikan by YKK" and communicating with visitors.

We asked Fujimaki, who has been involved in everything from zipper development to sales, about the appeal of the Monozukuri Hall by YKK.

Why "Zipper Company YKK" is building a community facility in Akihabara

"Since its founding, YKK has sold zippers to craftsmen and wholesalers of decorative items and fashion accessories. As a result, we had no contact with customers who use clothing and accessories. This is why we established this facility with the desire to directly convey the depth and history of zipper products and increase the number of YKK fans," Fujimaki explained, explaining what led to the establishment of the Monozukuri Hall by YKK.

Next, we will touch on the expectations and importance of the "Monozukurikan by YKK."

"The Monozukurikan by YKK has three roles. One is to provide a place to share information about YKK Corporation and to contribute to the Kachikura area, where craftsmen and wholesalers gather. The third is to create connections with end users."

A space that piques the curiosity of both adults and children

The exhibition area on the second floor is filled with information about zippers, from their structure to their history and surprising secrets.

The role of zippers is to connect things together. Zippers are used not only in clothes and miscellaneous items, but also in all sorts of places, such as car seats, fishing nets, bridge drains, and some rocket parts.

"YKK zippers are used in places like this," says Fujimaki with a proud look on his face. The moment they learn something they didn't know before, the eyes of both adults and children light up.

"Children, in particular, will look for zippers in their clothes or belongings and tell them, 'I found that one here too!' It's so cute."

Creating fans through workshops

The Monozukurikan by YKK plays an important role as a bridge between YKK Corporation and end users. One of the most popular activities is the craft experience. Craft experiences to make pouches, snap cases, and neck straps are held throughout the year, and Fujimaki and other staff members are in charge of planning and running the craft experience menu.

"For the craft experience, we have a wide selection of colorful zippers and fabrics. You can combine your favorite materials and colors to create your own original goods. In addition, the building uses furniture and equipment made in cooperation with artisans in the Togura area. The space, where you can feel the warmth of wood, is sure to stimulate your creative desire."

The materials used in the crafting experience are also chosen with consideration for contributing to the Tokura area.

"We purchase fabrics from miscellaneous goods manufacturers that handle characters, bag manufacturers that use materials produced in developing countries, and others. We are happy to be able to contribute to the Tokura area through workshops with our customers."

Everyone can enjoy making things using zippers, and without even realizing it, they are also contributing to the local community. It's a space that gives off a warm feeling thanks to the wonderful cycle.

What kind of presence will the "Monozukurikan by YKK" have in Akihabara in the future?

The Monozukurikan by YKK is packed with ideas to entertain visitors. We also asked about their future plans.

"We would like to meet people who know of our existence but have not yet met us, and people who have no idea we exist. Like zippers, we would like the Monozukurikan by YKK to continue to connect YKK with people all over the world. To that end, we will be planning collaborations and workshops with industries and companies that you are interested in!"

"Oh, there's a zipper here too!"

Even if you're wearing the same clothes or using the same things, the scenery you see every day will look just a little different. This is the place that gives you that opportunity.

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ものづくり館 by YKK
電話：03-3864-2110
住所：東京都千代田区神田和泉町1-1 YKK和泉ビル
アクセス：JR 秋葉原駅(昭和通り口)より徒歩3分/JR 秋葉原駅(中央通り口)より徒歩5分/つくばエクスプレス 秋葉原駅(A3番出口)より徒歩4分/東京メトロ日比谷線 秋葉原駅(1番出口)より徒歩2分/都営地下鉄新宿線 岩本町駅(A4番出口)より徒歩5分
HP：https://monozukuri.ykkfastening.com
SNS：https://www.instagram.com/ykkmono/
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