Let’s think of “time”. We need “time” to make anything. “Time” might be the “origin” of all creatures, objects, and everything.

“FINE TIME” is an exchange meeting of creators in Sapporo started from a mailing list. Members on the mailing list proposed the concept, but I’d rather not emphasize that. The members’ role is an inconspicuous one because we would like people not to define the meeting by starting members’ color. Our important role is just one thing; to provide creators “fine time”.

A project of a creators meeting itself is not so rare. If I say a characteristic of “FINE TIME”, it might be that “there is no characteristic”. We are trying not to have some “event” elements. The meeting is held during the cafe’s usual open time, and there is no MC or guest. There is no special setting either. The way of an announcement is just by interested persons on an exclusive website. We are not distributing any fliers, just a small notice of concept and meeting date.

On May 28th from 19:00, the first meeting was held at Soso Cafe produced by SHIFT. Although there is no reception desk as it was within the usual open time. Participants had to look for a table where the members were gathering. At least, we asked that cafe staffs could guide them to the table. Leaving the rest to the participants, they can come and leave anytime they want to, and they communicate to the members in their own way. They order their own drink also. What we as the organizers did is just support it in an inconspicuous way as one of the participants. We say hello to visitors, guide them to the table, and supply tables or chairs if it’s not enough.

We don’t deny the meeting with MCs, guests, and other event elements but we just wanted to let the meeting exist as a meeting in the former stage. If the result is that some interesting events or works result with members in “FINE TIME”, we will be happy. However, the result must be separate from “FINE TIME” as we would like to leave it with a plain color. For example, it might be like a “public park” in which we cannot hold a big event.

After a few minutes past seven, there were just two members from the organizing group. After about 30 minutes, four or five participants arrived and made a table. Then, it went to a good atmosphere, and people gathered more and more. After all, about 30 people came to the meeting and made some groups having a good time. I couldn’t speak to all the visitors so I don’t completely know about them, but they were mostly graphic designers, illustrators, video creators and creative directors.

Having merely one-week notice, it was not bad at all to have this number of participants. It is also important to keep the number somewhat low. Actually, it was perfect as all visitors could have a seat and relax. “FINE TIME” will be held once a month from now. Please have a look at the website about next information. Why don’t you come to “FINE TIME” for some good connections?

FINE TIME
Date: May 28th, 2005
Open: 19:00 – 21:00
Place: Soso Cafe
Address: 1F Sansei Bld. South 1 West 13 Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Tel: +81 (0)11 280 2240
https://finetime.jpn.org