[Beginner] Start electronics if you want a hobby

This time, I want to talk about the theme of "5 reasons why I recommend electronics as a hobby" for those who are struggling because they don't have a hobby.

I’ve already discussed what electronics is in another video, so if you haven't seen that yet, please check that one out first.

-Table of Contents
0:00 Opening
0:15 1. Cutting edge technology
1:18 2. Low cost
1:58 3. Everyone can enjoy
2:38 4. Encounter something
3:33 5. Much fun!
4:18 Confirm if you can enjoy it
4:58 Summary

-Introduction
Software engineer (Former hardware engineer)
9 years experience as a Maker

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#Electronics

-Content
Let’s move on to the second reason. The first is that you can get involved with cutting-edge technology.

The technology world is constantly evolving with innovations like AI, IoT, 5G, VR, and 3D printers. Most people might think, "Oh, that exists," as if it doesn't concern them. However, when you're involved in electronics, you frequently encounter opportunities to use cutting-edge technology, and you'll find yourself thinking, "Another cool thing has come out."

For example, creating cases and packages using 3D printers used to be rare about 7 or 8 years ago, but now it's becoming the norm. Prices for 3D printers have also dropped, with models available for home use at a reasonable cost.

Moreover, there are items like the Jetson Nano, a microcontroller board designed for easy AI development, and Google's AIY Voice Kit, which allows you to customize AI speakers. By incorporating these into your gadgets, you can experience the latest technology firsthand.

Next, electronics is a low-cost hobby.

It might be surprising, but electronics can actually be categorized as a "hobby that doesn’t cost much." The reason for this is simple: the components are incredibly cheap.

For example, these resistors, frequently used in electronics, can be bought for 100 yen for a pack of 100. That's just 1 yen per resistor. Other components, like these transistors, are sold for 10 yen each. In fact, they're cheaper than snacks!

For just a single coin, you can choose from a wide variety of sensors that suit your needs. Plus, since these components and sensors are reusable, the only cost is your initial investment. You can see why it's a hobby that doesn't require much money.

The third reason is that people of all ages, genders, locations, and skill levels can enjoy it.

If you're interested in "technology" or "making things," you're welcome in the world of electronics, which has a very low barrier to entry. You can see this if you attend a large maker event like Maker Faire. A wide range of people, from veterans to families, gather in one place to have fun together.

In the past, it was difficult to get hold of components, but now online shopping has become the norm, making it easy and affordable to acquire parts. There's no need to take a bullet train to Akihabara like I did in the past.

The fourth reason I recommend it is the unexpected encounters you can have.

For example, while I was working on a project and uploaded a blog about the software I was using, someone from CQ Publishing, a leading authority in the electronics industry, found it and asked me to write a feature article for the magazine "Interface."

Another time, I attended an electronics event and hit it off with a startup that develops smartphone gadgets, which led to us working on a project together. I got to see how startups operate up close, design circuit boards outside of my main job, and even have my product sold in stores—experiences I wouldn’t have had otherwise.

Additionally, I formed a community of like-minded makers at my company, creating connections with colleagues I didn't usually work with and expanding my personal network.

All of these experiences happened because I got into electronics.

The fifth and final reason is that it's simply fun.

Watching your ideas take shape and come to life brings an indescribable sense of accomplishment, and once you're absorbed in a project, you might even forget to eat or sleep.

When you're working on a project by yourself, you have to handle everything from idea generation to electrical design, programming, and 3D modeling, which can be tough. But each step has its own enjoyable aspects, and no matter how many times I do it, I can never stop. As you continue, you'll develop your own favorite software and tools, which will make the process even more enjoyable. Once you experience this, you'll likely get hooked too.

So, those are the reasons why I recommend electronics as a hobby. If you're struggling to find a hobby, why not dive into the world of electronics?