Suzuki Norihira&Megumi

How did you learn about x-garden?

Kyohei: After joining a large company as a new graduate, I quickly grew tired of the typical corporate life. I wanted to make a living doing something I truly loved, so I became interested in entrepreneurship. However, I often doubted myself, wondering, “Can someone like me really start a business?” It was hard to stay motivated. That’s when I decided to move into X-garden to build confidence by surrounding myself with like-minded people who were also pursuing their entrepreneurial goals.

Megumi: I first learned about the concept of shared housing and rooms while living in Canada. When I returned to Japan, I wondered if similar options existed here. After some searching, I found X-garden on a housing information site called “Hitsuji Fudosan.”
I was drawn to the idea of being in an environment where I could grow alongside proactive, motivated individuals. I also appreciated the thoughtful layout of the rooms, where I could maintain privacy with amenities like a private bathroom. It was also important that I could move between my room and the entrance without passing through shared spaces. Choosing the right people to share your living environment with is crucial, so having a solid concept for a share house is a big plus.

Tell us about life at x-garden:

Kyohei: Moving here was the right decision for me. At first, my shyness made it hard to connect with others, but by making an effort to join activities in the lounge, I built confidence, formed great friendships, and even met my wife here.
What I love about X-garden is the balance between personal space and communal areas. When I need time alone, I can retreat to my private room, but if I want to socialize, the lounge is a perfect place to connect. It’s just the right amount of interaction, and the atmosphere is very comfortable.

 
Megumi: I’m absolutely loving it—it was the perfect choice for me. I don’t want to leave! My husband and I even opted for a commuter marriage so I could stay here, haha.
Though I’m not naturally outgoing, the layout of the space allows for complete privacy when needed, which has helped me build great relationships with fellow residents. I’ve also enjoyed participating in discounted events, like programming seminars by Festivo.
There’s ample storage space, which is another big plus. We’ve done fun things like planning a group trip to climb Mt. Fuji, having casual house parties where we discuss topics like cryptocurrency or interesting new services, and playing board games like “Catan.”
Currently, I’m working with some close housemates to launch a web service, and we hope to incorporate it as a business by next year!
Incidentally, my husband started out as one of my good friends here. I never expected our relationship to evolve like it did, but when he moved out, he expressed his feelings, and we began dating long-distance. Knowing each other so well beforehand made the transition to marriage smooth and quick.

Tell us about your career:

Kyohei: After university, I worked for a real estate developer and then an advertising agency. I moved out of X-garden after a year in 2016 and now work as part of a local revitalization team in Owase City, Mie Prefecture, focusing on community development.
Alongside this, I manage personal projects like blogging, affiliate marketing, and real estate investment, building skills like web writing and SEO through self-study.

Megumi: I worked as a hotel staff member for about five years in Japan and Canada. After returning to Japan, I helped set up a restaurant, gaining experience in sales before transitioning to a role in corporate sales at Recruit. Now, I’m working in marketing and planning at an e-commerce startup, which is a dream come true.
 

What’s next?

Kyohei: I plan to finish my current work in 2018 and return to X-garden to live with my wife. While continuing my individual projects, I aim to gain more skills in Tokyo to prepare for future entrepreneurial endeavors. I’ve grown a lot in the past two years, and I hope to share my knowledge and experiences with the X-garden community while continuing to grow together.
 
Megumi: I’m working to strengthen my skills in copywriting and marketing, aiming to establish a strong career foundation within five years. Within ten years, I hope to be able to work internationally, so I’m also improving my language skills.
As my current workplace allows side projects, I’m accelerating a business idea with X-garden friends, targeting a launch early next year!

 

A Message to Those Interested in X-garden:

Kyohei: “If you take this path, what will happen? Don’t worry; if you hesitate, there’s no path. Take the first step, and the way will appear. Don’t waver—go, and you’ll see.”

Megumi: Life in a share house is truly priceless! The time you share with others is limited, so choosing the right people to spend it with is incredibly important.