This article is part of Day 15 of the KINTO Technologies Advent Calendar 2024 🎅🎄

Hi, I’m Nakanishi from Learning Roadside Station. This year, the Learning Roadside Station project was officially launched and structured as an organization. As part of our initiatives, we also run an in-house podcast, and for this year's Advent Calendar, we’d like to share more about it.

What is "Learning Roadside Station"?

"Learning Roadside Station" is a project launched to make the frequent study sessions held within the company more convenient and effective. The aim is to support the holding of study sessions, mainly by volunteers within the company, and to promote knowledge sharing within the company.

Osaka Tech Lab Information Sharing Meeting

In the KTC Learning Roadside Station Podcast, we interview people who hold in-house study sessions. This segment is called "Surprise! Our Neighbor’s Study Group." Today's podcast guests are Okita-san and Fukuda-san, who are leading the Osaka Tech Lab Information Sharing Meeting. Could you start by introducing yourselves?

Interview

Okita-san: Yes, my name is Okita. I belong to the mobile app development group, and as a development PM, I am responsible for connecting the mobile development team with other groups. I look forward to our discussion today.

Fukuda-san: My name is Fukuda. I joined KTC (formerly KINTO Corporation) in July 2020 and worked in the Production Group. I took 10 months of parental leave, and in February 2024, I returned to work. I am now part of the Creative Division, where I manage the operation and renewal of KTC's corporate website. I look forward to our discussion today.

Hoka-san: Thank you. Could you tell us about what inspired you to start the Osaka Tech Lab Information Sharing Meeting?

Fukuda-san: Osaka Tech Lab was launched in April 2022. At first, it was just Tomonaga-san from the Analysis Group running it alone. As more members joined, we started hearing comments like, "I don't even know what the person sitting next to me is working on." That’s when we decided to start an information-sharing meeting to improve communication.

Okita-san: Fukuda-san was the founder of the Osaka Tech Lab Information Sharing Meeting.

At first, we started with self-introductions, and by sharing our hobbies, we aimed to find common ground and build connections among members.

Hoka-san: I see. So, Okita-san, you have been involved since the very first session and helped promote the initiative. How has it evolved over time?

Okita-san: In the beginning, there were only a few members, so we could just gather and share ideas casually. Now, in our 17th session, the number of members has grown, and naturally, the format of our meetings has evolved as well.

Hoka-san: What does it mean that Osaka Tech Lab is the main player in this event?

Okita-san: The purpose is to stimulate communication within Osaka Tech Lab. We encourage members to share their work and initiatives, fostering stronger horizontal connections across teams. Additionally, our discussions often lead to tech blog content, helping us document and share insights more effectively.

Hoka-san: That sounds great! It feels like the initiative is truly taking shape. Have you noticed any changes in the reactions of the participants or the atmosphere?

Fukuda-san: At first, the meetings were casual and conversational, but over time, they have become a space for discussing challenges. We now also use these sessions to talk about how to improve our office environment.

Okita-san: For example, we didn’t have a clock in the office, so we installed one, and also added bookshelves. It’s a continuous collaborative effort where we share ideas and implement improvements together.

Hoka-san: What are your plans for the future of the Osaka Tech Lab Information Sharing Meeting?

Okita-san: As our organization grows, I want to maintain the friendly and open atmosphere we have built while continuing to prioritize communication.

Fukuda-san: I want to promote KTC from Osaka. We’ll consider whether to continue the information-sharing meetings in their current form or evolve into a new format.

Hoka-san: What if other department members want to participate?

Okita-san: We are recruiting LT speakers every month, so we’d love for more people to participate!

If you’re interested, feel free to reach out to any Osaka Tech Lab member.

Fukuda-san: After the information-sharing meeting, we also hold a beer bash, so we hope everyone uses it as an opportunity to connect and communicate in a relaxed setting.

Hoka-san: Lastly, do you have a message for our audience?

Okita-san: Please visit Osaka! We’d love to have you here.

Fukuda-san: Bring an LT (Lightning Talk) and join our information-sharing meetings! We’d love to have you here.

Hoka-san: Thank you both for your time today. I can really see how your efforts in Osaka are creating a positive impact across the company. Thank you Okita-san and Fukuda-san. That's the summary of the interview. This article conveys the importance and role of the Osaka Tech Lab Information Sharing Meeting to our readers.

This time, we have provided details about the Osaka Tech Lab information sharing session, the background to its operation, and future prospects. Please look forward to the next study session!