About Minnano

"Minnano" is an open community space in Maebaru, Itoshima, built around collaboration, cooperation, and empathy — with citizens in the leading role.
Why was this place created? Here is the story and purpose behind it.

The City of Itoshima

Itoshima City was born in January 2010 through the merger of Maebaru City, Shima Town, and Nijo Town. With a population of about 100,000, it borders Fukuoka City, with direct trains to Hakata and Tenjin. The Genkai Sea lies to the north, the Sefuri mountains to the south, and the plains between them thrive with farming and fishing. It is also a historic land, home of the ancient Ito Kingdom mentioned in Chinese chronicles.

Tourism up 18 years in a rowAbout 6.82 million visitors a year (2018). Roughly 60% come for the food — farmers' markets, oyster huts, and more.

Kyushu University relocatedIn 2018 the Ito Campus was completed — a hub of knowledge with about 19,000 students and staff, driving the city toward becoming an academic research hub.

3rd best "small city" in the worldRanked 3rd worldwide in MONOCLE's 2021 list, praised for livability and community spirit.

And yet, Maebaru had a problem

Maebaru is home to Itoshima's central station, with the history, culture, and shopping street of a former post town. Yet the shopping street had little foot traffic, and shuttered shops stood out.

Many people come to Itoshima — but not to Maebaru. Tourists and university students rarely used the area. Movements to revive the town rose again and again, yet each acted separately and no synergy emerged. Above all, there was no "place" to discuss, share, and exchange problems and ideas.

Three lessons from our activities

Through activities in Maebaru — "Itokai" gatherings since 2015 and the outdoor cinema "Ito Cinema" since 2016 — we came to realize something important.

Lesson 1The keyword is "people"

Lesson 2Fun comes first

Lesson 3The value of "nothing"

A Hypothesis

If we created a place where all kinds of people — young and old, of every occupation, nationality, and reason for being here — could connect and spark chemical reactions, might something beyond imagination await at the end of that chain? We want to see that future.

So we created "Minnano"

In January 2020, "Minnano" opened on a corner of Maebaru\'s shopping street — everyone\'s place, where everyone brings their wisdom, resources, and ideas. Our theme: turning competition into collaboration.

It is run by a team of 25 unique volunteer staff. Revenue from coworking, bike rental, and events goes toward maintaining and expanding this place of chemical reactions. Led by Itoshimachi Company, we operate together in partnership with Itoshima City and NTT West.

"Minnano" Staff

"Minnano" is run entirely by volunteer staff. A cast of unique members takes turns, day by day, keeping the space running.

To sustain this place economically, we would have to lean more heavily into being a commercial facility — but then it would be hard to keep it "everyone's place." That is why, from the very beginning, Minnano has used the "Minnano Staff" system: everyone contributes a little of their spare time to this activity, and that is what keeps this place going.

Meet Our Staff

The 5 Functions of "Minnano"

COWORKING SPACE

Minnano Workspace

A space to work with a change of scenery. Chat with someone interesting between tasks — and slip right into a strategy meeting.

EVENT SPACE

Minnano Planning Room

An event space to share what you want to know, talk about, and think through — recitals, meetups, readings, and lectures too.

SHARING BOOK SHELF

Minnano Bookshelf

Share treasured and favorite books with everyone. Read the recommended pick of that person you only know by name, anytime.

FLAT SPACE

Minnano Playground

Moms gather round the sunken kotatsu to chat. Kids practice their own funny dances in front of the mirrors.

CAFE SPACE

Minnano Travel Stop

Slow time with a drink, baked sweets, and a book in hand. Travelers plan their routes before and after renting a bike.

Become part of "Minnano" too.
Come to work, to read, to hold an event — use it however you like.

See Access　Event Space Guide