Spacey, nerdy nights in Tokyo

I just lately discovered that House Café and Nerd Nite weren’t conceived by nerdy expats, however are the Japan-based branches of a world group. The essential premise of each facilities on a handful of audio system who give quick shows on matters of curiosity. In some instances, the audio system are specialists of their fields, in others, they’re passionate hobbyists. It’s like TED Talks meets Toastmasters, however for science.

This previous July, I went to a House Café Tokyo occasion co-hosted by Nerd Nite Tokyo to hearken to a good friend’s presentation. The July occasion was held at a British pub in Shimokitazawa, a classy Tokyo neighborhood, and the venue was packed. Displays had been in English and live-streamed.  

Nerdnite Tokyo, July 2022

Extra just lately, I nearly attended a Nerd Nite Tokyo occasion held on the finish of October. I’d advocate going in-person, if doable, though digital participation usually appears to be free. The occasion was scheduled to begin at 8:00 pm, and about 10 minutes previous the scheduled begin time, unforgivable from the angle of well timed Japan, the feed began.

The presenters for House Café and Nerd Nite don’t coordinate on matters. Unsurprisingly, House Café shows concentrate on area. Something from exoplanets to alien life. Alternatively, Nerd Nite is extra different in that presenters are allowed to talk on something that pursuits them. Which means that even when one presentation or subject is “meh,” the following one is often on one thing unrelated that may very well be proper up your alley. The Nerd Nite occasion I streamed had one presentation on creating an avatar, a presentation on synthesizers, sound, and creating pitch, and the final presentation was on one man’s assortment of SIM playing cards from completely different nations.

Within the discuss a future with avatars, the speaker described how we will use our telephones to create lifelike avatars. However nevertheless lifelike the avatars seem; we people are usually not but in a position to absolutely combine with one. The subsequent problem for builders is to create a way of “physique possession” with one’s avatar. Together with physique possession, a way of “self-location,” a core idea of self-consciousness and the way one experiences one’s physique occupying area, was spoken about as an essential idea in serving to human customers to combine higher with their avatars. The viewers requested concerning the growth of odor and style whereas in a digital atmosphere and the way that would contribute to creating a way of self-location. Briefly, it might assist rather a lot, however growth remains to be within the early phases.

nerd nite tokyo

The occasion vibe is pleasant. Even in case you go alone, you may soar into conversations with different attendees. The hosts encourage everybody to order meals and drinks. And tipsy, self-declared “nerds” are enjoyable to talk with. Each occasions included an intermission of about quarter-hour. Getting in-person will set you again between 1,000 and 1,500 yen and consists of one drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). The occasion hosts have a tendency to decide on the identical venues and these locations are inclined to have a number of meals selections. The choice to observe on YouTube opens the occasion as much as individuals outdoors of Tokyo and to those that could choose the consolation of consuming and consuming at dwelling.

I wish to finish with some stand-out quotes from Nerd Nite:

“Anybody research music?”

“Be there and be sq..”

“You may be the anthropomorphic 3D furry you at all times wished to be.”