# Kyoto Tech Meetup: Nov 13 Wrap-Up ☕

[Canonical article](https://www.ashryan.io/writing/kyoto-tech-meetup-nov-13-wrap-up/)

Published: 2025-11-13

Highlights from the Nov 13 Kyoto Tech Meetup. AI consulting, cybersecurity in Japan, Astro.js, creative side projects, and more.

![](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1495474472287-4d71bcdd2085?crop=entropy\&cs=tinysrgb\&fit=max\&fm=jpg\&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDl8fGNvZmZlZXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3NjI5OTY4MTh8MA\&ixlib=rb-4.1.0\&q=80\&w=2000)

Photo by [Nathan Dumlao](https://unsplash.com/@nate_dumlao?utm_source=ghost\&utm_medium=referral\&utm_campaign=api-credit) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=ghost\&utm_medium=referral\&utm_campaign=api-credit)

Our latest [**Kyoto Morning Tech & Coffee**](https://www.meetup.com/kyoto-tech-meetup/events/311849334?ref=ashryan.io) brought together founders, engineers, designers, and researchers from Kyoto and beyond. Conversation flowed between cultural differences in company structure, startup life, and good spots to co-work in Kyoto.

This meetup is always agenda-free and super casual. The only structured part is called **Pick/Ask/Give**. It’s a fast, informal way for everyone to share what they’re looking for, what they can offer, and stuff they want others to know about.

## 🧩 Picks

- [**Astro.js**](https://astro.build/?ref=ashryan.io) — static-first web framework for fast, content-driven sites. (I built [Subcurrent](https://www.ashryan.io/writing/subcurrent/) in Astro!)
- [**Markov chains**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Markov_chain?ref=ashryan.io) — brought up in the context of algorithms that feel like AI
- [***Perfect Days***](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27503384/?ref=ashryan.io)— Wim Wenders’ film about a Tokyo toilet cleaner preparing for the Olympics
- [**Steam Deck**](https://store.steampowered.com/steamdeck?ref=ashryan.io) and [**PS5 Elite Headphones**](https://www.playstation.com/en-us/accessories/pulse-elite-wireless-headset/?ref=ashryan.io) — portable gaming and focus companions
- [**“**You Should Write An Agent**”**](https://fly.io/blog/everyone-write-an-agent/?ref=ashryan.io) — a good push for devs working with AI
- [“Quietly intelligent app features with OpenAI Agent Builder”](https://www.ashryan.io/writing/quietly-intelligent-app-features-with-openai-agent-builder/) — sorry, I picked my own article! But! It was relevant, I swear.
- [Visual Types](https://types.kitlangton.com/?ref=ashryan.io) — A TypeScript learning tool.
- [Tauri](https://tauri.app/?ref=ashryan.io) — Build desktop apps with Rust and React.

## 💡 Asks

- **AI consulting and job leads** — looking connections, clients, or contract work in AI
- **Cybersecurity in Japan** — looking for industry opportunities, local regulations, and professional networks
- **High-agency collaborators** — looking for people with taste and initiative for creative AI projects
- **Relocating to Kyoto** — insight on transitioning from abroad
- **pDoom** — “What’s your probability of doom?” Sharing predictions and perspectives on existential AI risk

## 🤝 Gives

- **Part-time engineering work available** — Kyoto-based startup looking for part-time engineers
- **Design help** — offering visual and marketing support from an experienced designer
- **Collaboration** — joining or co-building side projects in AI and web development
- **GPU access** — shared compute for local projects ([See: “Zoltan’s flops”](https://tcz.hu/zoltans-flops?ref=ashryan.io))
- **Discounts on starmaps** — check out [Under Lucky Stars](https://www.underluckystars.com/en?ref=ashryan.io)

***

We wrapped up with a chat about doing some community hack time.

It’s been energizing to see this group keep growing. If you’d like to join next time, check out: 👉 [Kyoto Tech Meetup on Meetup.com](https://www.meetup.com/kyoto-tech-meetup/?ref=ashryan.io) 👉 [Kyoto Tech Meetup on Discord](https://discord.gg/mXFWEHDKeu?ref=ashryan.io)

See you at the next one!

- Ash