FUTRFEST 2025 in the Spring: Innovation, Culture, and Community in the Heart of Osaka

Event Dates: March 11–19, 2025
Location: FUTRWORKS, Osaka

Two months ago, our FUTRFEST 2025 Spring welcomed a select group of 30 digital professionals to FUTRWORKS for nine days of learning, cultural exploration, and connection. From morning fitness to energize, to midday workshops to focus, to evening mixers to connect and unwind, the group brought together founders, engineers, marketers, and creatives—each adding a unique perspective to the collaborative experience.

Professional Growth Through Shared Knowledge

The FUTRFEST schedule was anchored by forward-thinking sessions from leading voices in tech and entrepreneurship:

・AI for Growth: Juan shared how he leveraged AI tools to grow his Instagram audience to 110,000 followers, offering practical tactics for content optimization and digital growth.

・Personal Branding on LinkedIn: Gina provided a hands-on masterclass on building a professional presence online, drawing from her experience leading social strategy and building a 34,000-strong follower base.

・Startup Resilience in the AI Era: Adrien, a serial entrepreneur and pre-accelerator program director, unpacked strategies for navigating change and building sustainable ventures in an age of rapid innovation.

A Stronger-Than-Expected Community

What surprised many participants was not just the content—but the context.

“Osaka has a much larger digital nomad community than I expected.” – Chris
“FUTRWORKS is the best co-working space I’ve experienced globally.” – Hugo

Across sessions and social events, themes emerged:

・Openness and collaboration
・Exceptional hospitality
・Rich cultural exchange
・Real connections that bridged backgrounds and borders

Exploring Osaka’s Traditions and Neighborhoods

Outside the workspace, participants immersed themselves in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Osaka:

・A traditional tea ceremony at the Kobayashi Ichizo Memorial Museum
・A walking tour of the retro-chic Juso neighborhood (*Supported by Osaka JOINER)
・An intimate Japanese Shamisen music performance held at FUTRWORKS

Why Osaka?

FUTRFEST participants quickly discovered why Osaka is fast becoming a destination for remote professionals and entrepreneurs:

🚃 Cultural access: Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara are all within a short trip
💗 Community warmth: Locals are welcoming and innovation-friendly
🍽️ Unmatched food: From takoyaki to Michelin stars, the culinary scene is world-class
🧑‍💼 Business potential: A robust economic base with emerging startup momentum
🏠 Quality of life: More space and lower costs than Tokyo, without the trade-offs

“I came looking for business opportunities—but I left with unforgettable memories.” – George
“Osaka is a place I could see myself living long-term.” – Perry

What’s Next?

While the next FUTRFEST is still in the works, the spirit of the event continues.
Follow @FUTRWORKS on Instagram to stay connected and be first to know about upcoming events, collaborations, and digital nomad opportunities in Japan!