How Small World began<\/h2>\n
“Creating Small World was never a plan for us – it happened organically. Somehow, we\u2019d become the organizers of The MyBar International Party, and after a few months, its success was unexpected and undeniable,” says Matthew. “We then started to consider if we should start expanding into other events, to show everyone that Nagoya isn\u2019t \u2018Japan\u2019s most boring big city\u2019, as it\u2019s often called \u2013 it\u2019s actually a vibrant and exciting city, full of interesting people who are just waiting for you to meet them. We held\u00a0our first event under the Small World name, our 2019 Hanami Party, and we pulled in over 150 people! We knew then that we were on to something big in Nagoya.”<\/p>\n
What Small World does<\/h2>\n
The events Small World hold are as full and varied as the people of Nagoya itself.<\/p>\n
“When the International Party became too big, we moved to the Emporium, where we now host Small World Big Party and have also held King of Karaoke. As well as our parties – with the ever-inspirational Tim Mullinnix bringing his boundless enthusiasm and inventive drinking games – we try to create events that are different from the norm and therefore aren\u2019t very common but also sorely needed by the community. We try to fill niches and celebrate subcultures, so we\u2019ve created events like Metal Meetup, organized with Travis Finch; Latin Night with skilled dancer and founder of the Nagoya Salsa Club, Sadihy Jimenez; Craft Beer Night; and took over the Trivia Night at Shooters,” continues Matthew.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/morethanrelo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Small-World-Kimono.jpg\")
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Aiming to make Nagoya a cleaner place, there are numerous environmentally conscious events such as the street clean-up event Sunday Pick Me Up, and an event for vegans, Clean Cuisine. Initially spearheaded by Kanae Hasegawa, these meetups are held in conjunction with Rodrigo Gutierrez, Katrin Funk , and Sherry Schafer – fervent environmentalists all, the latter two of whom also work with Fridays for Future and Climate Action Nagoya – and both events drive real positive change in Nagoya’s community with eco-habits and goals.<\/p>\n
“Everyone we work with is passionate about the events that they are involved with,” continues Matthew.” They don\u2019t see this as an obligation but as a purpose. They breathe life into these events, and that passion makes them extraordinary.”<\/p>\n
The future of Small World<\/h2>\n
The last year has been one of continuous growth for Small World, but Matthew and Amanda are not looking just to sit back and reflect on their success.<\/p>\n
“The last MyBar International Party will be this month, but we\u2019re rebranding and kicking off again on February 1st with The International Party at Transit Studio Luggage. We\u2019re using the opportunity to start fresh, with a big focus on style and quality. This time we\u2019ll be working with Christian Ollier of Dope Jams fame to bring you some very talented DJs, and guests will also be able to grab some top-notch Mexican food from Jams Tacos located on the same floor,” Matthew says.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/morethanrelo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Small-World-Party.jpg\")
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“There are some cool cultural events we\u2019d like to get some people together for at the start of the year, the first of which is Hadaka Matsuri, or the \u2018Naked Man Festival\u2019, which I\u2019m sure you guys are very eager to experience.<\/p>\n
“We\u2019ve also got some brand new events which cover a whole host of things including cabaret, sports, city adventures, eating contests, food and drink, language, games and some events for the Indian, Mexican, British and Brazilian communities. Small World\u2019s sophomore year is going to be absolutely off the hook. It\u2019s an exciting time to be in Nagoya!”<\/p>\n
Getting involved<\/h2>\n
“We understand it can be scary walking into a room full of strangers. But the truth is that our community is the warmest, most open-minded, and friendly community in Nagoya. Every single person in our group would welcome you with open arms and a smile on their face.<\/p>\n
“For me, our greatest success so far is managing to bring together all these fantastic people in Nagoya. I think the international community can be a little cliquey at times, with some friendship groups hanging out separately in different places across the city. Foreigners and Japanese people often spend time with their own, which is a shame. Small World has managed to bring a lot of these people together and created a kind of cohesive unit \u2013 the lines have become blurred, and at our events, everyone hangs out together.”<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/morethanrelo.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Small-World-Autumn.jpg\")
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As Small World is doing stuff all of the time, the best place to see what is happening is to head over to their Facebook page and give it a like. That way, you’ll be updated with all of their going ons, and won’t miss a chance to meet amazing new people. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and make Small World, your world!<\/p>\n