※This is a machine-translated text of the original article.
Sumitomo Corporation announced that it has begun demonstration experiments aimed at the full-fledged commercialization of BUKATOOL, a social platform to develop skills for extracurricular activities, through smartphone apps, etc.
BUKATOOL derives its name from the Japanese word “bukatsu” which refers to various activities such as sports, music and coding taken up by students outside school hours.
BUKATOOL provides three services for extracurricular activities: the best coaches, the latest technology, and the best management systems.
The app will enable matching with top-class coaches representing Japan, visualization of training and nutrition, management of activity costs, thereby taking scientific approach to extracurricular activities through digitization.
Since last year, the company has begun providing guidance from top-class coaches at junior high schools, senior high schools, and universities in Tokyo and rural areas. The company is currently developing the app for extracurricular activities and sports players, and plans to begin providing them on a trial basis.
In the future, it aims to improve accuracy of the app while reflecting the voice of users.
It plans to begin with the support of sports activities, and proceed to support cultural activities. Overseas expansion will also be considered.
In addition, BUKATOOL will become a point of contact between food companies, insurance companies and extracurricular activities, aiming to create an ecosystem that enables companies to provide a variety of products and services, including supplements, sports goods, and insurance.
Original Text: https://ampmedia.jp/2020/01/22/bukatool/