A bridge between all activities and users.
What was it that led you to establish "Kamui" in the first place?
Max:At the same time that Corona was going through a difficult time, the company I was involved in managing ended. At the same time, my personal life was also going through a difficult time, but because it was such a time, I had more opportunities to go to nature, and the time I spent there saved my life.
Also, with the Corona Disaster changing the world's systems in various ways, I thought that experiences in nature would become more and more important. As I began to formulate various business plans, I had a meeting with Hiroshi and he said he would support me. After that, Ian was also willing to help me.
Fujiwara:We have been experiencing the kind of experience that "Kamui" is trying to provide by having a guide take us somewhere for years, and we thought, if it is so interesting, why not let other people experience it, too?
Ian:I was born and raised in New York, but if I lived in Tokyo, I could drive an hour and a half to the ocean, mountains, rivers, lakes, and even deserts, and experience many things. I don't think there is really any other city in the world like this. Also, I like hiking on trails, and there are many places that are perfect for walking meditation.
You said you meditate while walking.
Ian:Yes.
When you are backcountry skiing, do you go to nature in search of healing?
Fujiwara:I don't have any. Only the fan part.
Max:I like to climb, but you don't like to climb, do you, Hiroshi-san?
Fujiwara:Yes (laughs), I just go down.
So you want to make it as easy as possible to get to the top.
Fujiwara:Yes, that's right (laughs).
Max:I think there are many ways to enjoy any nature experience. I have many friends who do not like to climb, even in the backcountry.
Fujiwara:However, it's not quite meditation, but when I'm in the snowy mountains, there is silence. . I can't say that I don't experience that in my daily life. There, you can't even hear the music that is usually played at ski resorts, such as "Kamie Hirose.
(laughs).
Fujiwara:. because sometimes it's just the sound of the wind or the sound of the trees being silky.
Max:I am not looking for that kind of healing, but I have found it to be the case. If I were working in Tokyo, I would be worried about one thing, but if I go to the mountains, I don't have to worry about that. You can find a balance. Through "Kamui," I want everyone to know that there is such value, and not just for fans.
Fujiwara:If you go to nature with a guide, there are so many fun and pleasant moments, but I can't explain those things well. Whether it is in an article or a video, it is impossible to express them in the true sense of the word, and I hope that "Kamui" can convey even a little bit of that.
Max:So, in fact, over the past 10 years or so, data has shown that people who are playing in nature are happier. So, it is not enough to just be on social networking sites in the city.
Fujiwara:(To Ian) Max is talking about Anti Meta though.
Ian:Don't worry (laughs). I probably go outdoors the most out of all of them, and I know that (laughs). Everything is a balance.
You have just started your service, but do you plan to increase the number of guides and the number of activities and fields in the future?
Max:We don't want to suddenly increase the number of activities, but of course we will increase the number of snow activities for the winter, and we plan to launch a membership service in the future.
What will the membership service be like?
Max:When they travel to Japan, especially from wealthy people overseas, they often ask for the best outdoor experience, regardless of the price. . They would like to have a drone to take pictures and a chef to prepare delicious meals. We are thinking of establishing a membership system so that we can arrange such detailed services. Of course, as I mentioned earlier, this will also lead to fees for the guides, and I hope that this will support the guides and help to nurture the next generation of guides as well. However, I don't intend to make it all premium, though.
I see. Two axes, I see.
Max:For example, if a friend invites you to an activity and prepares everything for you, the hurdle for doing the activity is lowered. I hope that "Kamui" will be a tool that will lower the hurdle to difficult activities and provide an opportunity for people to get in touch with nature.
