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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.