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By being a steward of the Komoro makerspace, you get a ton of perks, like subsidized rent and access to tools — but best of all, you get to be in a space shaped by the contributions, care, and creativity of many before you. Take this chance to also to leave your own mark for those who come after.

Stewardship here is about time, space, and energy to create in rural Japan, while ensuring that the place itself thrives as a collective commons.

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Perks of Stewardship

• Access to the makerspace: wood tools including jigsaw, power sander, power drill, handsaw, electronics including soldering station, LED station, 3D printer, sewing machine and shared supplies.
  • Check it out: Chapter 1: Komoro Makerspace
  • Tool detail here: Makerspace Amenities
• A place to live and create in rural Nagano: experimental time and quiet for your own projects.
• Belonging to a living archive of contributions: every steward leaves traces (artwork, systems, gardens, repairs) that become part of the ongoing story.
• Community exchange: meet visitors, makers, and neighbors who come through.
  • House rules: Makerspace House Rules

How Stewardship Works

• Vouching system: Stewards are invited through a “vouch” from both an existing member and a core team member (listed in the Discord). If you don’t already know any of the community members, join a weekly community call on Discord and introduce yourself.
  • Priority will be given to people who have a tangible idea / proposal for a project they’d like to work on in the space.
  • We also welcome those who want to run their own residency as well! Some notes here:Build-Your-Own-Residency (Template)
• Trial period: For longer stays of more than a week, or for those who want to run their own residency, there will be a vetting process. Check in with us on the Discord!
• Trust-based care: No rigid list of chores. We ask that you contribute in ways aligned with your strengths (organizing, repairing, gardening, documenting, hosting, etc.).
• Guiding principle: Leave the space better than you found it.

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Sliding scale model: *We never want cost to be a barrier. We operate on a sliding scale model to help keep the place going, with $20-100/night in stay fees; discounted for community stewards and for those staying longer with us. 100% of proceeds go toward the makerspace, rural revitalization, and supporting community events.

If you’d like to support our organization and what we do, donate here.*

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Steward Guidelines

• Respect the house: no leaving personal or food trash around (especially organic waste); this includes inside the fridge.
• Host visitors: stewards are expected to welcome people who wish to see the space during visitation hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 10am-4pm.
• Care for the space: tidy, organize, and maintain the environment in small ways each day. After your departure, wash + dry the futon sheets and do a round of vacuuming / sweeping to keep the space tidy.
• Document your work and attend meetings in the community Discord during your time of stay.
  • Drop some photos in the #komoro-makerspace channel, and share your weekly progress.
  • If there are recurring questions, or tips you found especially useful to clarify anything, please also update the docs accordingly - picture + video guides are especially helpful.
• When new people arrive, existing residents give them an overview of the space so they can orient themselves.
• Remember: you’re not a typical “guest”, you are a steward also helping shape the future identity of the house through rituals, artwork, and interaction points left by you for future visitors.
• Additional reference docs here: House Steward Docs