Btrax Design Community Event: From Collectibles to Community - Japantown in Motion

​We’re excited to announce our bi-annual Pitch & Mixer at the btrax office — this time in collaboration with San Francisco’s beloved Japan Center Malls!

​Japantown isn’t just one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods — it’s a community in motion. Inside Japan Center Malls, every shop tells a story: from Flying Raijin’s shelves of anime figurines to the family-owned businesses that have been shaping Japantown for generations.

​This evening will feature a panel discussion with Greg C. Viloria, Director of Community Affairs and Marketing for Japan Center Malls, Marxell Del Valle, owner of The Flying Raijin, who will share what it’s really like to run a business here today. How have things shifted post-COVID? What new trends are bringing people into Japantown? And how do shops balance tradition with the future?

​As the team behind Japan Center Malls’ social media, btrax has been helping share these stories online every day. This event brings them to life in person — through a lively, lighthearted conversation about the past, present, and future of Japantown.

​We’ll also showcase a live pitch from an overseas team visiting from Japan, offering fresh perspectives on creativity and innovation in the anime space.

Timetable:

• ​4:50 PM – Doors Open
  Check in, grab a seat, and start mingling.

• ​5:00 PM – Welcome & Introduction
  Opening remarks from the btrax team.

• ​5:10 PM – Live Pitch
  An overseas team from Japan presents their innovative idea in the anime space.

• ​5:30 PM – Panel Discussion: From Collectibles to Community: Japantown in Motion
  Shop owners from Japan Center Malls share their stories, challenges, and visions for the future.

• ​6:10 PM – Audience Q&A
  Your chance to ask questions and join the conversation.

• ​6:30 PM – Mixer & Networking
  Continue the conversation over light refreshments.

• ​7:00 PM – Event Close

​✨ Join us for an evening of ideas, stories, and connections at the crossroads of anime, technology, and business — happening at the btrax office in San Francisco.