Discovering the Vibrant Spirit of Tokyo Indies

Akihabara, once the epitome of Japan's 'otaku capital', has seen its allure wane in recent years, with areas like Ikebukuro and Nakano Broadway rising to prominence. However, the essence of this electric town remains, with hidden communities and gems waiting to be unearthed. One such gem is MOGRA, a geeky music club that has been a mainstay of the Akiba scene since 2009, offering cheap drinks and an eclectic mix of anime and video game music. This unassuming club transforms into the home of Tokyo Indies, a monthly meetup for indie developers, on the third Wednesday of every month. Founded by Alvin Phu in 2014, Tokyo Indies was born out of a desire to replicate the indie developer meetups Phu had attended in Boston, where he had been part of a thriving indie scene. Phu's own indie game, Block Legend, had found success, allowing him to go full-time independent, and he sought to create a similar community in Tokyo. The first Tokyo Indies event drew 20 attendees, exceeding Phu's expectations, and has since grown to become a staple of the Japanese indie scene. Today, Tokyo Indies is a safe space for developers to share their projects, receive feedback, and connect with like-minded individuals. The event has evolved, with presentations now showcasing a diverse range of games, from visual novels to procedural roguelikes. While the Japanese indie scene still lags behind its Western counterparts, events like Tokyo Indies have been instrumental in fostering growth and community. As the scene continues to expand, with increased support from publishers and platform holders, the importance of spaces like Tokyo Indies cannot be overstated. They provide a vital incubator for creators to find inspiration, support, and camaraderie, ultimately driving the passion and innovation that defines the indie gaming spirit.