[Report] Kusatsu Onsen Art Winter — Christmas & Year-End Gathering

On December 16, 2025, we held a Christmas & Year-End Gathering at the coworking space!

In Part 1, participants enjoyed creating their own original wreaths using preserved leaves.
In Part 2, we hosted a Christmas & year-end social gathering, giving everyone a chance to connect and mingle.

A total of 20 people joined us on the day. With a mix of familiar faces who have been attending our events since last year and first-time participants, many new connections were formed, and the atmosphere was full of energy and excitement!

In this report, we’d like to share highlights from our final event of the year — the Christmas & Year-End Gathering ^^

An Exciting Wreath-Making Experience!

In Part 1, we held a workshop where participants created 15 cm diameter wreaths. First, everyone began by inserting leaves into the wreath base to shape the overall design.

Should the entire wreath be covered with greenery, or would it look more stylish to leave part of the base visible?
Referring to six sample designs, each participant explored their ideal style and brought it to life.

(Some participants carefully discussed which ornaments to use, imagining the finished wreath as they deliberated ^^) (Among the materials prepared this time were “Kusatsu-grown” pinecones, collected from the forests of Kusatsu Town!)

Someone’s beautifully crafted ribbon caught others’ attention, leading to an impromptu “ribbon workshop” with people gathering around asking, “How did you make that??”
Elsewhere, participants shared tips on how to secure ornaments neatly.

All around the room, moments of shared learning naturally emerged among participants.

Some groups found themselves chatting about daily life in Kusatsu while making wreaths, creating an atmosphere almost like a casual consultation session.
Others exchanged information between those looking for part-time work and those in positions to offer opportunities.

It was wonderful to see conversations flourish even among people who don’t usually have many chances to interact.

(Now it’s finally decoration time! This is where the fun—and serious thinking—really begins.) (It’s done! Someone came over from another table to show their finished piece ^^ A beautifully artistic wreath was completed!)

A Chain of New Encounters

In Part 2, we held a social gathering under the name of our Christmas & Year-End Party.

Alongside those who joined from the wreath-making session, new participants joined in as well, and the excitement quickly grew!

We were joined by local residents of Kusatsu, people who have relocated here,
those who recently moved and opened new shops in town,
and even members who regularly use the coworking space on a monthly basis. It was truly an honor for us as organizers.

Unexpected points of connection sparked lively conversations where it seemed unlikely at first glance.
Some participants were surprised to discover that they were both locals who had never met before.
Discussions ranged from serious topics such as local administration and business, to thoughts on relocating to Kusatsu and searching for properties.

The second part flowed freely across many topics, with conversations weaving naturally from one to another.

Reflecting on This Year and Looking Ahead

At the end of the event, we invited everyone to share their personal “Kanji of the Year.” Each person chose a single character that represented how they lived this year and how they hope to live in the next.

As each participant shared in turn, the space filled with a sense of depth and reflection.

“Challenge,” “Joy,” “People,” “Connection,” “Action,” “Breakaway,” “Gather”……

As everyone expressed their own joys, resolutions, and values, listeners were also given a moment to reflect on themselves.

Kusatsu Town and Coworking

This year, Kusatsu Onsen Coworking hosted five events in total. Each time, we welcomed new participants, and by mixing with returning attendees, we could truly feel the circle of connections expanding.

If we have been able to serve as a place where new encounters begin, nothing could make us happier.

Thanks to everyone who joined us, this event concluded successfully.
Many people also brought gifts or supported us as sponsors—not just one or two—and we are deeply grateful for everyone’s kindness.

Because Kusatsu is both a tourist town and a place with constant movement of people, we want to continue cherishing human connections and expanding these circles.

As a hub for community interaction, a comfortable place for visitors to spend time, and a space where locals and newcomers can meet,
we will continue exploring what coworking can be in Kusatsu.

To everyone who participated, and to all those who helped spread the word and supported us—thank you so very much!

We look forward to your continued support in the coming year as well!