Exploring the Popularity of the Mutual Aid App Mayii! Connect with May ii on Your Smartphone!

May ii is a mutual assistance app that matches people who want help with those who want to help.

This time, I actually downloaded and used the app. I've summarized how to use the app, the convenient points I found, and user feedback, so please take a look for reference.

1. What is May ii?

May ii is a mutual assistance app that connects people via smartphones. It can be daunting and challenging to reach out when you need help or want to help someone.

That's where May ii comes in handy. This app acts as a bridge, allowing you to easily seek or offer help, making it extremely convenient.

It's useful for people with disabilities, travelers, foreign visitors, the elderly, and more.

For example, May ii is beneficial for those with the following concerns:

・Not knowing how to transfer trains in unfamiliar areas
・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 have helped a stranger. While over 80% of people in top countries like Sierra Leone and Venezuela reported helping strangers, only 24% did so in Japan.

Reference: CAF WORLD GIVING INDEX 2022 "Helping a stranger by country and ranking"｜CAF

This data suggests that while many Japanese people want to help, they find it difficult to approach strangers.

To change this situation, May ii was developed as an app that allows people to easily request and offer help, aiming to expand mental accessibility.

1-2. Features of May ii

Through the app, May ii allows you to choose whether you want to request support or become a supporter. You can change your selection at any time.

Those who want to request support can use the app within available areas and during operating hours. If you're uncomfortable with face-to-face meetings, you can receive support via chat only.

This time, I used the app to receive support via chat to see how the request process works.

Select "Request Support" and then "Support via Chat." This time, I made a request at Tokyo Station.

When I pointed to Tokyo Station, it showed "5 supporters within 5,000m." Depending on the area, there may be cases where there are no supporters, resulting in "0 supporters."

After selecting the area, tap "Request," and you can choose the category of your concern. The icons are illustrated according to the content, making it very easy to understand. This time, I tapped "Shops & Sightseeing."

On the next screen, you can select more detailed request options. There are many scenarios to choose from, allowing you to quickly and easily make a selection even when in a hurry. This time, I tapped "Recommend a restaurant."

Next, choose the estimated time for support: "About 5 minutes," "About 15 minutes," or "About 30 minutes." Knowing the required time before accepting a request allows supporters to assist without overextending themselves.

Finally, confirm the request details and finalize the request. The illustrations and operations are simple, allowing for easy navigation without confusion.

This time, I only requested support via chat, but some may worry about potential issues when meeting in person.

When I inquired with May ii about whether there have been any issues during face-to-face support, they confirmed that no issues have been reported so far.

Additionally, to address user concerns, the following measures are in place:

・Users who participate in briefings or are registered with organizations receive a certification mark for reassurance
・The matching feature is limited to times with foot traffic (8 AM to 9 PM)
・If you feel uncomfortable during a face-to-face meeting, you can make an emergency call with one tap
・If a user behaves maliciously, you can report them to the administrators through post-match evaluations

With these risk management measures in place, it seems like a safe app to use.

2. Why May ii is Popular

May ii allows users to visualize situations and feelings through the app, enabling the Japanese spirit of hospitality to be shared externally.

For instance, if you see someone who appears to be in need on the street, even if you want to help, you might hesitate, thinking, "They might not actually need help," or "It might be bothersome to approach them."

Conversely, those in need might think, "It might be bothersome to ask for help," or "They might be busy."

By using May ii, both the situations of those in need and the willingness to help are visualized nationwide, connecting voices that were previously kept silent.

This feature allows people who previously found it difficult to act to offer hospitality, such as helping or caring for those in need.

This is likely why May ii is so widely supported.

3. Reviews and Impressions from Users

Here are some reviews from people who have used the May ii app.

"I liked that it could also be used as a tool for communication. It would be great 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 Manners Certification. It's recommended for those who want to take action and create a society where people help each other but don't know where to start."

While there are many positive opinions about the service, some users mentioned that the area coverage is still limited.

Reference: May ii - Contribute to Society & SDGs with a Click｜Google Play

4. In Conclusion

May ii is a perfect tool for those who don't know where to start with mutual assistance or find it difficult to ask for help when needed.

While the number of users in rural areas is not large, and it may not be fully functional in all regions, as more users join, it will become an even more valuable app.

It truly is an app that can fully express the Japanese spirit of 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