We are pleased to share a report from Feli

Feli, one of the digital nomads who participated in FUTRFEST2024, resonated deeply with our goals and has been generously supporting us as a freelancer ever since. Recently, Feli attended the Nomad World Fest and kindly shared his personal reflections and experiences from the event. Here’s his report:

From Osaka to Portugal: How FUTRWORKS and Japan Found a Voice at the Nomad World Fest

Carrying the Soul of Osaka Across Continents

It’s not every day that you get to carry the soul of a city across continents. Earlier this month, I stood on a stage in Portugal, at the Nomad World Fest, speaking not just as a digital nomad, but as someone honored to represent FUTRWORKS and the vibrant city of Osaka.
As I looked out at an audience of founders, creatives, remote professionals, and community builders from over 50 countries, I felt an unexpected wave of pride. Because what I was really doing… was bringing Japan into the room.

The Moment FUTRWORKS Went Global

FUTRWORKS is not just a coworking space. It’s a vision backed by Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corp. to make Osaka the beating heart of Japan’s global innovation scene. It’s a space where East meets West, tradition meets creativity, and where the elegance of Japanese design meets the energy of modern entrepreneurship.

When I was invited to speak at Nomad World Fest, I knew this was more than a personal milestone. It was a chance to showcase Japan—not as a mysterious, distant dream—but as an active, open, and rising destination for nomads and innovators alike.

I shared stories of how we host community-driven experiences in Osaka:
・Morning yoga with the skyline view 🧘
・Traditional tea ceremonies in the coworking lounge 🍵
・Deep conversations with startup founders from around the world 💬

I also spoke about FUTRFEST—our flagship event that gathers international voices, Japanese companies, and creative minds to co-create a new blueprint for nomadic living in Asia.

The Reaction? Electric!

After the talk, people came up to me saying they had never imagined Japan as a place where they could truly belong as nomads. Some said they had always felt intimidated by the idea of going to Japan, but hearing about FUTRWORKS made them feel like they could not just visit—but land there.

That’s the power of storytelling. And that’s the role we play at FUTRWORKS: we make Japan feel possible.

Building Bridges, Not Just Buildings

The theme of this year’s Nomad World Fest was all about connection—beyond borders, beyond business cards. It wasn’t about selling destinations; it was about sharing values.

That’s why it was so important for me to speak not just as a marketer or consultant, but as someone who has lived this life—across continents, cultures, and careers. I’ve been a nomad for over 15 years, and in every place I’ve landed, I’ve asked: what does it take to feel at home here?

FUTRWORKS is building answers to that question. It’s not just a workspace—it’s a soft landing. It’s a place where you’re met with kindness, creativity, and curiosity. A place where you can work hard, connect deeply, and still find quiet moments to look out over the river with a matcha in hand.

And that’s exactly what I wanted people at Nomad World Fest to understand: Japan is not just a trip. It can be part of your journey.

Japan is Calling

There’s something happening right now in Japan—something quiet, but powerful. More people are looking East. More nomads are asking, what if I stayed longer in Asia? What if I swapped fast-paced hubs for places that offered beauty, safety, depth, and design?

At FUTRWORKS, we believe Osaka has everything it takes to become one of the world’s next big nomad hubs. We’re not just dreaming—we’re building. With a strong community, visionary leadership, and partnerships with global thinkers, we are setting the foundation for an ecosystem that supports innovation, diversity, and collaboration.

Events like Nomad World Fest remind us we’re not alone. The world is full of people searching for meaning, for connection, for spaces that feel both grounding and expansive.

What’s Next?

As we look ahead, FUTRWORKS is already planning the next edition of FUTRFEST for later this year—a gathering of global minds in the heart of Osaka. And we’re staying committed to one thing: building a bridge between Japan and the world.
To everyone I met at Nomad World Fest—thank you for your warmth, your curiosity, and your openness. To the team at FUTRWORKS—thank you for trusting me to be your voice abroad. And to every nomad who has ever dreamed of Japan—your moment is now.

We’re waiting for you in Osaka!

Felice Marano