Fab Lab Kannai

Fab Lab Kannai is a manufacturing laboratory for citizens in Kannai, Yokohama. As one local base of globally-networked Fab labs, it is operated according to the Fab Lab Charter, a common philosophy of all Fab labs with the three main themes of “make,” “learn,” and “share.”

It pre-opened in March 2013 and officially opened on the last day of FAB9 (an annual FAB LAB network event) held in Yokohama. In 2015, they renovated one room on the fourth floor of their current Taisei Building, and reopened it on a room scale as the first lab in Japan. The renewal fund was raised through a crowdfunding “LOCAL GOOD YOKOHAMA” operated by NPO Yokohama Community Design Lab, and they succeeded in collecting over 600,000 yen from 48 supporters. Currently, the base has been relocated to the second floor of the same building.

There are 30 members, and several 3D printers inside the Fab lab, as well as machine tools such as sewing machines and laser cutters. PLA (biodegradable bioplastic derived from plants such as corn) is ready to use as a 3D printer material. In addition to holding manufacturing workshops on a regular basis, it functions as a local manufacturing base, cooperating with co-working spaces in the Kannai area, making nameplates for start-up companies, and developing business labs in local community spaces.

1.Experience as creators, not as consumers

ab labs foster a DIY spirit and a creative mind for people through the experience of making things on their own, rather than buying things as consumers. Shortening the distance between production and consumption is one of the most effective approaches to achieving a sustainable society. In the sense, it functions as a hub for turning a consumer into a producer (creator).

2.Sharing economy using digital machine tools

Owning machine tools such as 3D printers and laser cutters is not easy for people to have at home. Fab labs share their assets, space and knowledge so that they can maximize the results while using limited assets effectively.

3.Base where manufacturing can connect people

Fab Lab Kannai functions as a base for local people to get connected through manufacturing experiences. Collaboration among various people is indispensable for realizing a circularity-based town development. The fab lab contributes to the area as a hub for fostering its collaborative network.