With a special guide, you will be transported to a world you have not yet seen.
So, Mr. Max, could you please explain what "kamui" is again?
Max:The website allows visitors to book and experience nature tours offered by guides in various regions of Japan. In addition, by utilizing technology, we hope to reach a large number of people who were previously unreachable and incorporate nature into their lifestyles.
What kind of technology do you use?
Max:We have just launched and have not yet implemented it, but we plan to utilize blockchain and other technologies in the future.
The blockchain means that digital things, such as the metaverse and NFT, will be linked to real nature.
Fujiwara:. or to create an actual route on the Metaverse for people to experience it.
Max:I don't have plans to go that far yet, but as far as creating a digital layer, I hope to have it in shape by the first half of next year.
I agree, it would be a great way to reduce risk and relive the experience. Also, the website's visuals are very sophisticated.
Ian:. I was the one to give advice on the design. Logo, storytelling, UI and UX for the actual booking process .
The most important feature of "Kamui" is that it can match you with an excellent guide. Do you have any selection criteria?
Max:The lineup includes guides who have actually helped us in the past, as well as some of our members who used to work for outdoor manufacturers, so we have a lineup of top-level guides with whom we have made connections.
Max:Of course, the greatness of the guides is a selling point for users, but the truth is that Japanese guides work for incredibly low fees. Overseas, they can earn 5 times more. . I was wondering if "Kamui" could somehow support that part as well.
I understand that you also aim to increase the value of outdoor guiding.
Max:. Yes, it is. For example, there are many customers who can pay about 500,000 yen in one day if they access overseas markets. Of course, it is not only about the amount of money, but even if you actually want to work as a guide, there are some financial difficulties. We hope that "Kamui" can solve that problem, if only a little.
By the way, I know that you also climb mountains and go backcountry, but do you feel that it is important to have a guide?
Ian:That is for sure. Because the experience is totally different when you're not there.
Max:. for example, as far as the backcountry is concerned, it is quite risky. There is a possibility that an avalanche could put you in harm's way. So, you have to have a good understanding of the field.
Fujiwara:If all you do is limit yourself by saying you can't go there or do that, it's boring, and on the other hand, if you don't care where you go, that's also a problem. Therefore, I think it is important that the guide's personality matches your own sensibilities.
In that regard, how do you feel about the "Kamui" guide?
Max:Kamuy" is in talks with about 200 guides, of which about 100 are listed on the site. Some activities and places require qualification, and of course there are guides with such skills, but there are also guides for less dangerous activities, such as field experiences and meditation, who are simply very good at entertaining people.
Published in "KamuiGuides' PageIf you jump to the "Guide Guide" page, you will find a Q&A about nature, in addition to background and skills, so you can ask a guide who is a better fit for you.
Fujiwara:In addition to this, I think that those who ask for a guide's help must also have a kind of respect for the guide in order to enjoy the trip. It is necessary to be aware that the guide is taking you with him or her, rather than thinking that you are a guest because you are paying for the tour.
. Ian, you actually had the "Kamui" guides guide you at the launch event, didn't you?
Ian:We started with meditation, had dinner in a treehouse, and the next day was full of mountain biking, SUP, and sauna. 20 or so people were there, and of course they were all at different levels. . The guides were very friendly and helpful, and I think everyone had a great time from start to finish. . and the guides are just so unique and entertaining.
