Telecube working pod in 7-11
In Japan, convenience stores such as 7-11 provide a variety of services, such as free Wi-Fi, clean restrooms, and ATMs. Now, you can even work in a solo working pod in 7-11 thanks to a Japanese company called Telecube. Besides having a quiet and private space to do what you need to do, you can also grab a snack and coffee after you’re done.
Telecube solo working pod in 7-11
7-11 at Iidabashi Masumoto Building
Image credit: @telecube_service
In partnership with Okamura Corp, V-Cube, and Mitsubishi Estate, Telecube Services Co., Ltd. has been installing solo working pods all over Japan. On 30th December 2020, they installed a solo working pod in a 7-11 at Iidabashi Masumoto Building, near Iidabashi Station. This is the company’s first installation of a pod in a convenience store.
Telecube solo working pod installed at Iidabashi Masumoto Building’s 7-11
Image credit: @telecube_service
To use the pod, you have to sign up for a Telecube account and make a reservation. Once you have logged in, select the pod you would like to book and your preferred timing. It costs ¥250 (~USD2.42) to use the pod for 15 minutes.
The pod can only be reserved in 15-minute slots and it is designed to be a spot for those who need a private space to attend to something. It’s not meant to be a telecommuting location or a co-working space.
Features of the Telecube pod
Image credit: @telecube_service
The solo working pod measures 1.2m (W) x 2.315m (H) x 1.2m (D) and can accommodate 1 person comfortably.
It is designed to be soundproof so you can hold voice or video conferences inside without being distracted by what’s happening outside the pod. The soundproof design also ensures that your conversations are not heard by others, making it safe if your conversation involves confidential or sensitive information.
Image adapted from: Telecube
Image credit: @m_akaHane
The pod is fitted with a socket and a USB port so you can charge your devices.
Although there’s no Wi-Fi provided in the pod, you can connect to 7-11’s “7Spot” network and enjoy free Internet access.
Image adapted from: @jima8282
There’s a comfortable sofa seat in the pod and a table for you to work on. As precautions against COVID-19, the pod has an anti-bacterial coating and is equipped with a ventilation system that can ventilate the pod within 1 minute.
Image adapted from: @komagawa1969
It’s easy to reserve and use the pod at any time. You only need a smartphone to reserve, pay, and unlock the pod. To unlock it, log in to your Telecube account, scan the QR code on the pod, and click “Enter”.
5 minutes before your 15-minute slot ends, you’ll get a reminder that your session is ending. Once you are done, simply leave the pod and the door will lock automatically after you leave.
Locations of the pods
Besides the pod in the 7-11 at Iinabashi Masumoto Building, there are also solo working pods installed at locations such as offices, train stations, and airports nationwide.
Shin-Otemachi Building, 1st floor.
Image credit: Telecube
Keisei Funabashi Station, 2nd floor, East Exit outside the ticket gate.
Image credit: Telecube
Currently, the locations of the pods are concentrated in office buildings within Chiyoda, Shinjuku, and Minato in Tokyo. But you can also find pods installed in Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Hyogo, Osaka, Wakayama, Aichi, and Ibaraki. Detailed information about the location of the pods can be found on Telecube’s website.
D garden Higashi-Umeda docomo store in Osaka
Image credit: Telecube
Telecube’s solo working pods can also be found in co-working spaces. In Osaka, there are 2 Telecube solo working pods installed in a co-working space called d garden Higashi-Umeda. D garden is run by docomo, a mobile phone operator in Japan.
In the future, Telecube is planning to install pods in restaurants, coffee shops, departmental stores, shopping centres, banks, libraries, museums, and event spaces.
Telecube’s capsule working pod in 7-11
Solo working pods installed in places such as convenience stores and train stations are a handy option for those who need a private space to have an impromptu interview, take a confidential phone call, or simply charge their phones.
But in view of the state of emergency in Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa from 8th January 2021 to 7th February 2021, it is best to refrain from going out and minimise social interactions for now. If you have to head out and use the pods, do so only for essential or urgent matters and head home as soon as possible.
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Cover image adapted from: @telecube_service and @m_akaHane