Niconico Chokaigi. Once again, producer Daisuke Yokozawa served as our guide, and I had the privilege of touring the venue alongside Hiroshi Osaki and Ichiya Nakamura.

According to Producer Yokozawa, the 2,500 paid exhibition spaces sold out immediately.

And because they strive to impose as few restrictions as possible—including on sound levels—and respect the freedom of expression of exhibitors and participants, exhibitors and users are able to coordinate with one another autonomously, allowing self-governance to function naturally.

It seems there are very few issues, and I wholeheartedly agreed with the explanation that this is because the participating users themselves deeply understand how they should behave to preserve this precious space for themselves over the long term—and act accordingly. I was deeply moved to see that this space has transcended the scope of a mere event to become the ideal form of a community.

In one corner of the venue, the “Magnet Festival”—a school festival organized by N Middle School, N High School, S High School, R High School, and ZEN University—was being held. I heard that out of the approximately 35,000 students at N High School alone, a staggering 10,000 were participating.

That youthful, fresh energy seems poised to give rise to the next new culture.

A vocaloid live event was also held. I was told that the event’s ability to draw such a large crowd and generate such excitement was partly due to it being held as part of the Niconico Chokaigi, and it made me realize once again that the story behind it resonates with people and creates a deeper sense of appeal.

Backstage, I got to talk with Tsuyoshi Natsuno, Hiroyuki, and Hiroyuki Kishi—I’m so glad I rushed in as soon as the doors opened!

Niconico Chokaigi is truly amazing! It’s overflowing with freedom and passion—it’s incredible! It’s the best!