Changemakers' Cafe: Connecting for People & Planet
Making change is rewarding – but it can also feel frustrating, exhausting, and lonely. That’s why we created Changemakers’ Café: a monthly meetup in Tokyo where people actively working for social and environmental good can connect, unwind, and share honest conversations; the wins, the struggles, and everything in between.
This is not a panel or a lecture. It’s a space for practitioners (i.e. people already taking action and/or leading organisations) to exchange experiences, ideas, and support. The more you bring, the more everyone gains.
☕ What to Expect:
A cozy Shibuya café setting – relaxed, informal, and welcoming
Small-group conversations on your journey in social/environmental impact
Rotating exchanges so you meet multiple people, not just one circle
A short closing reflection to capture shared insights
🌍 Who It’s For:
This gathering is for people who are already engaged in social or environmental action.
Examples include:
Running or launching a purpose-driven business or nonprofit
Driving change inside your company or institution
Organizing or campaigning in your community
Conducting research, creating art, or building tools for social/environmental good
👉 If you’re here to share your own journey and learn from others’ experiences, you’ll feel right at home.
Details:
📍 Where: Shibuya, Tokyo (exact location will be shared with those who are registered)
📅 When: Thursday, Oct 9 @ 09:30-11:00am
👥 Capacity: ~10 people (intimate by design – registration required)
🗣 Language: English (non-native speakers welcome!)
💴 Cost: No entrance fee, just buy a drink or food at the café
💡 Why Join?
Build your circle of likeminded changemakers in Tokyo
Be inspired by real stories and experiences
Share practical tips, emotional support, and fresh ideas
Be part of building a supportive, growing changemaker community in Tokyo.
👥 About Your Hosts
Robin and Mariko are co-founders of Social Innovation Japan (SIJ), a platform dedicated to sustainability and social impact. Over the years, they’ve launched award-winning initiatives such as mymizu (Japan’s first water refill app and movement), built and designed cross-sector collaborations with companies, governments, and communities in Japan and beyond, and designed and facilitated programs that support social entrepreneurs to build and grow their ventures.
They know first-hand the highs and lows of building impact projects – and launched Changemakers’ Café as a space for honest exchange. As hosts, they’ll help guide the flow of conversation and support participants where possible, but equally, they come as peers: ready to listen, share, and learn alongside you.
And finally, a quote that continues to inspire our work: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead (American cultural anthropologist and author)
👉 Spaces are limited – register now on peatix to join the next Changemakers’ Café!
(if the event is sold out, follow us on peatix for future event notifications!)
*In the event you can no longer attend, please let us know asap by responding to the confirmation email so we can open up space for another participant.
🌱 Changemakers’ Café Ground Rules
Come as a participant, not an audience. This is a space for exchange — everyone shares, everyone learns.
No pitches, no recruiting. This is not a place for selling products, promoting services, or MLMs. 🚫
Share openly and listen with respect. authenticity and empathy are the heart of this space.
Confidentiality matters. What’s shared in the Café stays in the Café.
Stay present. Phones down, full attention on the conversation and each other.
Contribute generously. Offer your ideas, encouragement, or resources to support others.
This series is hosted by 一般社団法人Social Innovation Japan.
