Hacker News Tokyo Japan Meetup #111 [Aug 29]

Introduction

Despite the looming threat of a typhoon 🌀 over Tokyo, the Hacker News Tokyo Japan Meetup #111 managed to gather a substantial crowd of tech enthusiasts. Known for its focus on engineering and tech-related discussions, this meetup continues to be a staple in the local community’s calendar.

Usually hold monthly, but from time to time there are irregularities in the schedule.

General Information

• Event: Hacker News Tokyo Japan Meetup #111
• Event page: https://hntokyo.doorkeeper.jp/events/176318
• Venue: Shibuya ComMunE PARCO
• Date and Time: August 29, 2024, 18:30 - 21:30
• Organizer: Paul Oswald
• Fee: ¥1000
• Language: English, but there were some Japanese conversations as well

Visit Experience

The event began at 18:30, with only a few attendees initially trickling in. However, as expected, more people started arriving around 19:00. Given that many participants come straight from work, the delayed start to the crowd forming was unsurprising.

After a two-month break, the meetup returned, and the break seemed to have sparked a renewed interest, despite the typhoon. Attendees ranged from software engineers and DevOps specialists to LLM experts, compiler developers, and pen-testers.

A standout feature of this meetup is its informal yet highly effective networking dynamic. With so many people to talk to, a common strategy is to keep conversations short until a good match for one’s interests is found.

Near the end of the evening, the meetup featured a series of “lightning talks”, where participants were free to make announcements, ask questions, or present their ideas.

This session offered a valuable opportunity for those looking for jobs, startup feedback, or just to share their projects.

Who Should Attend

This event is ideal for engineers and tech enthusiasts looking for networking opportunities in Tokyo. It is a good place if you are looking for a job or want to hire someone. The meetup is also suitable for those interested in learning about the latest tech trends and sharing their projects with the community.

Who Should Not Attend

If you prefer smaller, more intimate gatherings or require a quiet environment for extended conversations, this meetup may not be the best fit.

Venue

For a considerable time, the event has been hosted on the rooftop of the Parco building in Shibuya, a location that offers a central and convenient spot with a stunning view of the Tokyo skyline. The event space is partially covered and features several tables, but much of the area is designed for standing. Drinks, including alcohol, soft drinks, and some food, are available for purchase at the venue.

Conclusion

The Hacker News Tokyo Japan Meetup remains one of the top networking events for engineers in Tokyo, combining a welcoming community with valuable networking opportunities.