Eric Sim on Following Through and Community Impact: A Tokyo Cafe Experience

In a recent LinkedIn post, Eric Sim shares a personal anecdote from his trip to Tokyo, highlighting the power of follow-through and the impact of creating community spaces. Sim recounts an interaction that began with a casual promise made in Singapore and culminated in a unique design experience in Japan, underscoring his belief in tangible community engagement.

The journey began when Sim, attending Singapore Design Week in September 2025, heard architect Keiji Ashizawa speak. Ashizawa presented his work, including the interior design for two Blue Bottle Coffee cafes in Japan. Sim made a passing remark, “When I am in Tokyo, I will visit your cafe.” This seemingly polite statement, however, was something Sim intended to honor.

“Hi Keiji, I am in Tokyo. Going to your cafe for breakfast and see the chairs you designed.”

Upon arriving in Tokyo, Sim reached out to Ashizawa, who, though unable to meet personally, facilitated a meaningful connection. Ashizawa arranged for his staff, Ms. Tomomi Hashimoto, to provide Sim with a tour of his studio. During this visit, Sim had the opportunity to see chairs designed by Ashizawa for Karimoku, a distinguished Japanese furniture brand known for its collaborations with international design figures.

From Studio Tour to Community Space

Sim’s post delves into the unique approach Ashizawa takes with his studio space. On weekends, the second floor of Ashizawa’s office is opened to patrons of the ground-floor dotcom coffee cafe. This initiative offers visitors a place to enjoy the park view and, crucially, to experience Ashizawa’s furniture and lighting designs in a real-world, everyday context.

This practice, as Sim observes, is a subtle yet powerful form of community engagement and design dissemination. Instead of overtly lecturing or promoting his work, Ashizawa creates an environment where people can interact with and appreciate design organically.

“He does not give a lecture to the local community about design, nor does he tell them how good his products are. He simply lets people use the space and experience design for themselves. I found that deeply commendable.”

Reflections on Action and Community Building

The experience prompted Sim to pose two critical questions to his LinkedIn network, reflecting on personal and professional conduct:

• Do you follow up with people you find inspiring?
• If you have the ability and resources, would you make the environment better for your community?

According to Sim, Ashizawa’s approach exemplifies a commendable commitment to not only showcasing design but also enriching the local community through accessible, experiential engagement. This act of transforming a professional space into a public amenity demonstrates a philosophy where design serves a broader social purpose.

Sim’s narrative underscores the significance of turning intentions into actions. The architect’s willingness to share his space and designs, even in his absence, illustrates a profound belief in the power of direct experience. As Sim notes, this method allows individuals to connect with design on a personal level, fostering appreciation through use rather than through direct instruction.

“Back in Sep 2025, I listened to Keiji Ashizawa, a Japanese architect, speak at Singapore Design Week at Marina Bay Sands. He presented the ideas behind his projects including the interior design of two Blue Bottle Coffee cafes in Japan.”

The post serves as a reminder for professionals to consider how their work can extend beyond their immediate professional sphere to positively influence and engage their communities. Sim’s encounter with Keiji Ashizawa’s practice in Tokyo offers a compelling case study in how intention, follow-through, and a commitment to community can create meaningful impact.

Sim also extended appreciation to Masaru Kiyota, Ashizawa’s chief product designer, whom he had the pleasure of meeting. This suggests a broader network of talent and collaboration within Ashizawa’s professional circle, further emphasizing the depth of expertise Sim encountered.