About

The concept behind KAI

KAI profile

KAI is an online magazine run by NorthernCross Corporation. KAI began as a quarterly magazine in October 2008 and published 30 issues, but in April 2016 it became an online magazine. It is published with the goals of investigating the appealing points of Hokkaido and communicating the value genuine items.

The derivation of the name KAI

"KAI" is derived from the name Hokkaido. Hokkaido was named by Takeshiro Matsuura, an explorer of the Edo Period. The name originated when Ainu living on the banks of the Teshio River taught him that "kai" means a person born in that place. Also, we are told the Greek letter χ is read as "kai" and it also has the meaning of an opportunity to meet and interact with people.

When KAI is updated

The themes of the special features change two or three times a year, and are updated on Wednesdays at 10:00 am. Subscribers to the mail magazine (in Japanese) receive an email informing them of the update. The English edition of the special feature ends with Vol. 53, but the features can still be enjoyed using a translation app. All but the most recent articles can be found in the archives, which can be accessed from the bottom of the Home Page.

Main content

Home page : Table of contents for the latest issue. The table of contents contains links to each article.
Feature articles : hemes change two or three times a year (English editions up to Vol. 53).
The Towns of Hokkaido : A page created in collaboration between KAI and Hokkaido Arbeit Johosha Co., Ltd. (Arukita). (English editions available) *Published until July 2017.
Series : A page updated irregularly, on Wednesdays, unrelated to the quarterly special features. *Discontinued as of spring 2024.
Partners : Pages by partners supporting KAI
KAI English version : See "The English version of KAI"
Archive : When you click on the icon that looks like a row of books, you will be taken to the archive page for that item and you can read past issues.

About feature articles

Themes change two or three times a year (English editions up Vol. 53).

The latest information

The headline for an article includes the posting date.

Looking at the archive

In the archive, you can see links to special reports, series and the like. Find the archive by looking for the "Archive" icon at the bottom of the home page.

The English version of KAI

Currently, only certain contents created in conjunction with official partners are updated in English. Of course, you will be able to find previous special features and serialized articles in the archives.

Follow KAI on social networks

We will provide information about updates through our English Twitter account. On Instagram, we will mainly post photos. We also have a Japanese-language Facebook page and Twitter account.

Handling of personal information

Personal information such as names, addresses and email addresses will not be used for purposes other than those of KAI. Personal information will not be given to a third party except with the permission of the person in question, based on laws and ordinances or when there is another justifiable reason.
When personal information is entrusted externally, such as to a shipper, we will select a suitable party and enter into a contract with that party related to the protection of personal information.

Linking to this site

This site may be linked to freely.

Copyright and trademarks

The articles and pictures on this site are all the works of creators. The copyrights on them are held by this company or the creator and protected by Japanese law. You may not reproduce and publish the articles and pictures on this site, nor distribute them, in whole or in part, without permission.

Disclaimer

This company bears no responsibility for injury resulting from the use of this site or the inability to use this site. We bear no responsibility whatsoever for injury sustained by using the information provided on this site. Moreover, the content of this site may change without warning. This site may link to the sites of other companies or agencies, but this company does not guarantee the accuracy of the information on the linked to sites.

Contacting us

We accept inquiries by email. Email us at kai-mail@northerncross.co.jp. However, be aware that the staff of our operating company will respond to email, and communication in English may not always be smooth.

Operating company

Our operating company, NorthernCross Corporation, is a Hokkaido community development company. It is creating KAI projects, central among which is this online magazine KAI, which clear the way for the potential growth and possibilities of Hokkaido by digging up valuable things, matters and people in the prefecture and connecting them to markets that seek that value in Japan and abroad.

JAPANESE