For many of our development projects, we use Ruby as our programming language. The language is not only interesting from a software development perspective, but also from a cultural one. Ruby was originally created by Yukihiro Matsumoto, and many of the core developers are also Japanese.  Although this programming language began in Japan, it is now popular throughout the world. 

Because many of the Japanese ruby developers are not so comfortable with English, there is a bit of a rift between the two communities.  This divide between the international and Japanese Ruby communities came up several times during RubyKaigi.  At the same time, both sides want to work to close this gap.

As a Canadian in Japan I feel I am in an excellent position to help bring these two communities together.  I am both tapped into the English speaking Ruby community around the world through the internet, and the Japanese Ruby community by virtue of my location.

With this in mind, I created Tokyo Rubyist Meetup. This group will give Japanese Rubyists a chance to meet with non-Japanese Rubyists like my self.  Within an hour of the announcement of the group over twitter, we already had 25 people sign up, so it seems there is a demand for such a group.

We are going to have our first meeting towards the end of this month (the exact date is to be decided).  If you are interested in Ruby and living in Tokyo please join us.