The coworking space “C.O.L” opened in Naha City in 2020.
It supports the creation of encounters and opportunities for freelancers, corporations, people thinking about becoming independent, and anyone else who is up to take on the challenge of their new self. Monthly use, corporate registration, meeting room use, and drop-in use are also available.
C.O.L was founded by Masahiko Azuma Dawaan, the president of C.O.L, who was originally involved in management at a global company when he decided to start his own business.
“I decided to start my own business after being impressed by the vitality of the people I met at my previous job. I wanted to create a place where people who are aiming high can meet. And that’s how I started C.O.L.” He explained the background of the establishment of C.O.L.
C.O.L can be used in a variety of ways, such as:
- Monthly subscriptions for sole proprietors and small business owners
- Corporate registration as a virtual office
- Use of private meeting rooms for meetings and interviews
- Holding events
When the company was first established, for it was also Mr. Azuma’s first business, there was a time of struggle in attracting customers. However, he said that he gradually began to attract creators and freelancers as he continued to communicate mainly through Instagram.
Currently, the company actively holds events such as tax workshops to learn about the invoice system and lectures to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of incorporation, making C.O.L a reliable place for entrepreneurs and people aiming to become independent.
C.O.L also offers support services such as self-analysis workshops, company information sessions, PR videos, and photo shoots. Since there is also a system that allows first-time users to consult with other users easily, and interact between members, coming here will give you a chance to meet like-minded workers and people with skills you would not normally encounter.
C.O.L. has a comfortable, bright, and open atmosphere. A large tree can be seen through the window, and there are several ornamental plants placed inside the space as well.
Although the area itself is not very large, there are large tables where it is easy to do work, counter seats facing the window, and tables where you feel as if you are working with your friends, creating a good workspace that is somewhere between home and office.
On the left are the counter seats. Since they are facing a large window, you can work in an open atmosphere. The conference room can be seen in the back. The sound insulation allows for focused meetings.
A drink bar is located near the entrance. Coffee and juice are available for users.
Mr. Azuma is a friendly man with a wonderful smile. He says that he always talks to first-time visitors when the timing is right.
“We’re in an age where everything can be done online, but I believe that there is an irreplaceable value in meeting new people. Even if you cannot take on a project by yourself, you can do more if you have the skills to supplement each other as a team. I think C.O.L is a place where such opportunities are born.”
Mr. Azuma has now launched a new company, CO-DREA, which focuses on cultivating the strength to survive in the Web3 era. He is also putting his efforts into training engineers in a virtual environment. The company’s mission is to utilize the metaverse space to cultivate the ability to earn and survive on one’s own, without being confined by place, time, or appearance.
He says, “If you are interested, please feel free to come and talk to us at C.O.L. We are looking forward to meeting with you. Through the various encounters I’ve had here, I’ve been able to brush up on my business ideas, and the connections and knowledge I’ve gained at C.O.L have been instrumental in the creation of my second company. This could be a place where you too can discover your new goals and new opportunities.”
