"Sharing Economy" on the Go : GaiaX Co.
Talking about sharing service, you think of share-ride, couch-surfing, etc. and it seems the concept of sharing economy is fast expanding. A few overseas enterprises are already leading the industry - Airbnb, Uber, etc.
Now, here in Japan, an IT firm GaiaX is advancing into this field under an organization founded by its president, Yuji Ueda, 41, called the Sharing Economy Association membered by 80 or so firms in the field.
"This sharing service business is the solution to capitalism and its problems", beams Ueda. Today's episode is a timely interview with President Ueda.
To prelude the QA with Ueda, let me brief you on the two modes of sharing economy: one, "share-ride" - nothing more than hitchhiking of yesteryear, really. But the advent of smart phone has made the practice a lot cool. You behind the wheel match via the smart phone with travelers heading for the same direction and offer a ride. But the point is that this is unlawful in Japan if fees are collected by the driver - all passengers must go Dutch on all expenses.
Two, "cook-sharing" saves traveling foreigners room and board and the host(ess) a chance to taste home cooking offered by the travelers. This is lawful and now booming all over Japan.
Now, President Ueda of GaiaX on how he ever chanced to challenge sharing service:
"I used to offer couch-surfing to foreign tourists and some total strangers once offered me in return to come see them. They must have couch-surfed at the time of the earthquake in 2011.
"So, I accepted their offers and couch-surfed myself to learn from live experience the potential of sharing service."
The megaquake in Kumamoto offered another opportunity for GaiaX to demonstrate its functions, recalls Ueda. No profit yet in sight, he believes sharing service could ultimately create an economy alien to capitalism - be it share-ride, cook-sharing, or matching up people in need. A small charge just to set up such a platform is a handsome business itself, believes Ueda.
Honestly, I'm yet to try share-ride via smartphone, nor cook-sharing. But, I do see something there that makes you ponder. This is Nathan Shiga. Good Day.
