This column introduces various ways of working, and although I haven't had the opportunity to introduce it until now, one thing I've been interested in for a while is "workcation."
As many of you may already know, workcation is a combination of the words "work" and "vacation," and literally refers to a way of working that combines work and rest.

I'm interested, but I wonder if the work environment is properly prepared? It seems to cost a lot of money? My company doesn't approve it? What's the point of "combining vacation and work" in the first place? When you start thinking about these things, it can be difficult to take the first step.

The impact of the coronavirus pandemic has led to a rapid spread of telecommuting at ITOKI, which operates this website. With working from home now commonplace and the state of emergency lifted, four ITOKI employees took advantage of the workcation program in Okaya City, Nagano Prefecture, to try out a three-day, two-night trial. Here is a report on the experience.

<About Okaya City and ITOKI>
Since 2015, ITOKI has been providing patented technologies that have not been put to effective use to businesses across Japan as open patents through local governments with the aim of "utilizing intellectual property." The first company to utilize an open patent and realize a product was Daiwatec Co., Ltd. in Okaya City. The relationship between Okaya City and ITOKI has continued since then, and this time we are conducting a trial of workcation.

<Workcation System in Okaya City, Nagano Prefecture> https://www.city.okaya.lg.jp/soshikikarasagasu/shogyokankoka/409/740/19212.html

In the morning of the first day of workcation, I headed from Tokyo to Okaya City.
It takes a little over two hours to get on the Azusa train from Shinjuku, and I start by working while traveling.
After arriving at Okaya Station, head to Techno Plaza Okaya, which is a one-minute walk from the station.

Techno Plaza Okaya is an industrial promotion facility in Okaya City, boasting excellent access just a one-minute walk from JR Okaya Station. It has a large exhibition hall, training rooms, rental conference rooms, and other spaces, and can be used for a wide range of purposes, including exhibitions, lectures, and cross-industry exchanges. In addition, a co-working space was opened in June 2021, making it a facility that can accommodate a variety of working styles, including remote work and workcation.

This is the base for this workcation, so we will first give you an update on what it's like working here at Techno Plaza Okaya.
(Facility link: https://www.city.okaya.lg.jp/technoplazaokaya/index.html)

There are 20 seats in a bright space with natural light pouring in through the large windows.
In the center, there is a long table made of a single piece of wood that exudes warmth, allowing you to work alone or have a quick conversation. There is also a cafe-style counter table by the window, which is perfect for when you want to relax and work while taking in the view.

The black cord hanging from the ceiling is a power plug, which you pull down only when you need to use it and plug in the power cord. It's more convenient than you'd think when you actually use it!
There's no stress because I don't have to crawl under the desk or reach out to the floor (or rather, I realized that looking for a power outlet was stressful).

A quick web conference
(If you are mainly a listener, a coworking space is also possible.)

This is a private room with a capacity of 10 people. It has a relaxing Japanese modern atmosphere.
You can also borrow equipment such as a projector, screen, and whiteboard, so it's also recommended for discussions and study sessions. It looks like it will be great for group work!
The walls are decorated with beautiful photographs of Okaya's famous places, so you can learn about the charms of Okaya as well.

On this day, we borrowed a room to participate in a web conference that required a lot of speaking.

There was a cute sign at the entrance that gave easy directions.
It's only 100 yen for up to an hour! It's cheaper than juice from a vending machine.
It seems that reservations are not required, so you can just drop in and use any available space! Just make sure to stop by the counter before using it.

Please see the website for details.

岡谷市のＨＰ
https://www.city.okaya.lg.jp/index.html

テクノプラザおかやのＨＰ
https://www.city.okaya.lg.jp/technoplazaokaya/shisetsuannai/shiyoryokintoriyohoho/10709.html

Techno Plaza Okaya is actually using ITOKI products.

The ITOKI "vertebra03" is placed in the co-working space on the first floor and the private rooms on the second floor. The vertebra, which was a big hit in 1890, was redesigned and released in 2019 to fit in with offices, homes, and third places. This work chair was created to suit the way people work today, so please try it out and experience its comfort.

ITOKI products are also incorporated into the high chair by the window.
This is a high chair from the series called "knotWork." Available in a wide variety of colors, so you can choose the type that matches your space.

◇　◇　◇

Four ITOKI employees visited Okaya for a three-day, two-night workcation, and used Techno Plaza Okaya many times on the first, second, and last days (in the end, every day!). It was very convenient, being close to the station and easily accessible, for morning meetings and work, and meeting up during the day. Another plus is that you can just drop in without making a reservation! Please give it a try.
(I was also happy that there was free Wi-Fi and an air purifier!)

Next time, we will bring you the second day of our workcation, so stay tuned!