May ii is a mutual aid app that connects people who want to help with those who need help.
This time, I downloaded and used the app myself. I've summarized how to use the app, the convenient features, and user feedback in an easy-to-understand manner, so please take a look.
1. What is May ii?
May ii is a mutual aid app that connects people via smartphones. When you're in trouble or want to help someone in need, it takes a lot of courage to reach out, and it can be challenging.
That's where May ii comes in handy. This app acts as a bridge, allowing you to easily ask for or offer help, making it extremely convenient.
It can be used by a variety of people, including those with disabilities, travelers, foreign visitors, and the elderly.
For example, May ii can be a great help for those with the following concerns!
・Not knowing how to transfer trains in an unfamiliar area
・Being in a wheelchair and unable to move forward due to a step
・Needing assistance with shopping
・Unable to carry heavy luggage
1-1. Why was May ii created?
In the "HELPING A STRANGER COUNTRY AND RANKING" report published by the UK's Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) in 2022, Japan ranked 118th out of 119 countries.
The ranking is based on the percentage of adults who answered that they have helped a stranger. In top-ranking countries like Sierra Leone and Venezuela, the percentage exceeds 80%, while in Japan, it is 24%.
Reference: CAF WORLD GIVING INDEX 2022 "Helping a stranger by country and ranking"｜CAF
This data suggests that many Japanese people, despite wanting to help, find it difficult to approach strangers.
To change this situation, May ii was developed as an app that aims to expand the concept of a barrier-free society by making it easy to ask for and offer help.
1-2. Features of May ii
Through the app, May ii allows users to choose whether they want to request support or become a supporter. You can change your choice at any time.
Those who want to request support can use the app within available areas and during operational hours. If you're uncomfortable meeting face-to-face, you can receive support via chat only.
This time, I tried using the app to receive support via chat to see how the request process works.
Select "Request Support" and then "Chat Support" from the screen. I tried making a request at Tokyo Station.
When I pointed to Tokyo Station, it displayed "5 supporters within 5,000m." In some areas, there may be no supporters available, resulting in "0 supporters."
After selecting an area, tap "Request" to choose a category of concern. The icons are illustrated according to the content, making it very easy to understand. I tapped "Shop & Sightseeing" this time.
In the next screen, you can select more detailed request information. There are many anticipated scenarios, making it easy and quick to choose even when in a hurry. This time, I tapped "Recommend a restaurant."
Next, choose the time required for support: "About 5 minutes," "About 15 minutes," or "About 30 minutes." Knowing the time required before accepting a request allows supporters to offer help without overextending themselves.
Finally, confirm the request details and submit the request. The illustrations and operations were simple, allowing me to make selections without confusion.
While this was a chat-only support request, some might worry about "what if a problem arises during face-to-face support?"
When I inquired with May ii about whether there have been any issues during face-to-face support, they responded that no problems have been reported so far.
Additionally, to address user concerns, they have implemented the following measures:
・Assigning a certification mark to users who participate in briefings or register as groups, providing reassurance in choosing partners
・Limiting the use of the matching feature to times when there are people around (8 AM to 9 PM)
・Allowing users to contact emergency services with one tap if they feel uncomfortable during face-to-face interactions
・Enabling users to report malicious users to the administrators through post-matching evaluations
With such robust risk management measures in place, it seems safe to use the app.
2. Why May ii is supported by many
May ii allows users to visualize situations and feelings through the app, enabling Japan's spirit of hospitality to be communicated externally.
For example, you might see someone who "looks like they are in trouble" on the street. Even if you want to help, you might hesitate, thinking, "It might be a bother if I approach them," or "They might not actually be in trouble."
Conversely, those who are "in trouble" might think, "It might be a bother if I ask for help," or "They might be busy."
By using May ii, both the "situations of trouble" and "desire to help" across the country are visualized, connecting the voices that were kept inside.
This feature allows people who previously found it difficult to take action to deliver hospitality, such as "helping or caring for someone in trouble."
This is likely why May ii is supported by many.
3. Reviews and feedback from actual users
Here are some reviews from people who have used the May ii app.
"It was great to use it as a tool for communication. It would be nice if it could be used more frequently in the metropolitan area where I live."
"I registered! And... I was able to help someone right away! The operation was simple, and although I was a bit nervous, I was happy to be thanked!"
"I learned about this app through the Universal Manner Certification course. It's recommended for those who want to create a society where people help each other when they see someone in need but don't know where to start."
While there were many positive opinions about the service, there were also comments about the limited area of availability.
Reference: May ii - Contribute to Society & SDGs with a Tap｜Google Play
4. In conclusion
May ii is a perfect tool for those who don't know where to start with mutual aid or find it difficult to ask for help when needed.
While there aren't many users in rural areas, and it may not be comfortable to use in all regions, as the user base grows, it will become an even more valuable app.
It truly is an app that can maximize the spirit of Japanese hospitality. If you're interested, please give it a try!
You can download the May ii app from here. We believe May ii will become an app that spreads
AppStore: https://apps.apple.com/jp/app/id1472700087
GooglePlay: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.dnp.mayii
