Ask HN: What Are the Global Capitals for Specific Industries or Niche Interests?

[vsupalov]

Curious minds of HN,

I'm looking to learn about what the semi-unknown "capitals" of various industries or niche interests around the world are. These could be cities that serve as the hub, epicenter, or primary gathering place for a specific sector or community, whether mainstream or obscure.

For example, I have the following (personal and not referenced) obvious examples in mind:

- Finance = New York

- Tech Startups = San Francisco

- Hobby Robotics = Tokyo

- Jazz Music = New Orleans

- Vegas = Professional Poker

Less obvious or more niche examples could be:

- The go-to city for Indie Film production?

- Board Game design capital?

- The global center for Biohacking enthusiasts?

What are the cities that you think best represent an industry, subculture, or unique interest? Bonus points for examples that aren't immediately obvious.

Looking forward to your insights.

[ohong]

1/ Hsinchu, Taiwan for semiconductor manufacturing

2/ Denver, Colorado for fast casual restaurant chains: Chipotle, Smashburger, Quiznos et al.

3/ I'd also put forth Vancouver, Canada for fast fashion, specifically the "athleisure" look: Lululemon, Aritzia, Reigning Champ, Arc'teryx, Indochino

[vsupalov]

According to a HN post from 2015, Buenos Aires is the bookstore capital of the world. https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=9747230

[YujinkoToys]

I love this question! I’ll start:

Portland, OR for Comic Books.

[vsupalov]

Thanks for the reply! Never would have thought.

[dsdxd]

Montreal and Vancouver = Porn

[vsupalov]

Good stuff. Thanks! Any chance this has to do with the generous grants which get bestowed on movies and tv productions in Canada?