By Mubasshira Tabassum
"We are all in this together” is probably the only way we can collectively work towards keeping our communities safe and working towards constructing a new world. This lockdown has surely shut down shops, factories, schools all over the world, but can this lockdown shut down our creativity and initiatives to come forward and help each other?
Japan has currently declared a state of emergency with educational institutions remaining closed. The lifestyles of the residents of Beppu has started following a new norm of normal, amidst the given circumstances. We have come across multiple student/alumni led initiatives taken during this time which aim to help people residing in Beppu. One such startup is called KomeMame. We reached out to one of the founders of KomeMame and tried to know more about the meaning behind this startup.
1. What inspired you to initiate this service?
We believe time is valuable to our fellow Beppu residents, and that they should not have to waste hours in aisles, brave harsh weather and wait in line just to buy necessities like eggs!
Another potential factor that we strive to improve is the availability of cheaper halal foods and same day delivery that’s still lacking behind in terms of scope as a service.
One question that we commonly face is that, Why should we buy from you when I have a store nearby? Well, that is up to you but you can also be a couch potato like our founders and have your items delivered to your house within an hour.
2. How many people are involved?
Currently we’re a 4 member team, consisting of 2 APU graduates.
3. What are your visions for KomeMame?
KomeMame is a work in progress, and we hope to get better over time. We are firm believers in using technology and education to re-imagine the landscape of grocery shopping in Beppu, and we will continue to invest all our effort in pushing the boundaries of technology.
If you have ideas on how we can improve, we would love to hear from you. Please do email us at contact.komemame@gmail.com.
4. How will your services help during the COVID-19 situation?
With groceries being delivered both cheap and as fast as a 1 hour delivery span time, we look to encourage people spending less time in line shopping for groceries and more time social distancing.
5. How do you organize your services?
You can browse the site or use our search engine to find your desired products. You can then add them to your shopping bag and click on place order. You let us know your address, select a delivery time – and voila, you are done. A KomeMame representative will then deliver your order right to your home or office.”
We hope student led services like these will continue to grow in Beppu, and soon enough we can shape our new world together!
Check out the website of KomeMame to see grocery shopping re-imagined for yourself
留言