Maction Planet celebrates fifth anniversary of website launch

Maction Planet, the top-rated boutique operator reinventing custom travel in Japan, today celebrated the five-year anniversary of its website, www.mactionplanet.com. 

Maction Planet began as a bespoke tour and experience operator focused primarily on Tokyo and surroundings, launching their website on 20 February 2017. In the intervening five years, the company has grown from humble ‘word-of-mouth’ beginnings to offer globally-renowned fully-customised tours and experiences all across Japan, as well as online classes and virtual tours, original apparel, trip planning, travelling destination consulting and a slew of content bringing Tokyo to the world. 

“Its 5-year mission…”

Mac, Founder and Lead Guide of Maction Planet, commented on this milestone: “It seems like only five years ago that we launched the Maction Planet website… and I’ve just been told that it actually has been five years!” Mac joked. “The first three years went in a flash, and the last two… let’s just say they have gone somewhat slower. Overall, that has averaged out to the time feeling like the duration it actually took!”

“We are extremely proud of what we have accomplished over the last half-decade. A simple mission statement,  to share our ‘inspired by Tokyo’ outlook with a wider audience, has grown far beyond my expectations.” 

“Of course, the last 24 months were not anticipated by anyone. First and foremost, our thoughts go out to all those who have lost loved ones or are suffering as a result of COVID-19. This global pandemic is a human tragedy and it is important not to lose sight of this.”

Travel consulting

“‘Pivoting in a pandemic’ has been the theme of the last 24 months for Maction Planet. As part of that we’ve been laser focussed on supporting the travel community in Japan prepare for the reopening of borders.” said Mac.

Mac has been involved in travel consulting work in locations as far-flung as Iki Island, Sasebo, Aizu Wakamatsu, Yonezawa, Chichibu and more.

Cooking class!

After an incredible year, our monthly Maction Planet online cooking classes came to an end in June 2021. 

“The growth of our cooking community was one of the joys of 2021,” said Mac. “As the world started to open up after lockdowns and states of emergency, the time was right to bring this chapter in Maction Planet history to an end. However, private classes, great for birthdays, anniversaries, team building and more can still be booked! Email info@mactionplanet.com to arrange yours!”

Crushing the content

The Maction Planet content machine marches on! We continue to put out our ‘This Week in Tokyo’ weekly round-up on the Maction Planet blog and to introduce Japanese music to the world through Maction Planet Radio.

Our most popular video on the Maction Planet YouTube channel, which has hit over 650,000 views showcases Super Nintendo World. The channel has hit 9000 Youtube subscribers and continues to grow. 

‘Triangle Thrillers‘, the Top 10 NHK World TV show that Mac stars in, returned under the name ‘Magical Journey’. Three episodes were aired in March 2021, with Mac, Jeff and Rich joined by celebrity comedian Yurian Retriever for exciting adventures on the Michinoku Shiokaze Trail in Tohoku and around Fukushima Prefecture.   

Kanpai Planet

February 2021 saw the launch of Kanpai Planet, our sister platform focused on the world of Japan’s drinks.

“The growth of Kanpai Planet has been one of the biggest highlights over the last twelve months,” said Mac.  

34 videos have been posted on the Kanpai Planet YouTube channel in the previous year, with the most viewed being our second video, which covered the new Japanese Whisky Standards introduced in February 2021. There are videos on Yamazaki 18, Shochu X, Takamine Whisky, Sake Vending Machines, Godzilla Energy, the Whisky Kit Kat and much more!  

“To see this work recognised has been a real honour. I’ve been quoted in specialist drinks publication Tonic Magazine, been involved in drinks-focussed travel consulting and guested on a number of platforms talking about Japanese Whisky. I can’t wait to show you what year two will bring! If you’re not subscribed, now is the time to do so!”

Citizen

The last 12 months has seen a special collaborative art project unfold: Citizen, with Mac working with video artist Gan SiongKing to create a unique audio-visual experience that speaks to core of individual identity.

On 18 January 2022, ‘Citizen’ received its public premiere in Kuala Lumpur. Mac was able to participate in a Live Dialogue. ‘Being of and from a place’, with Gan and an audience of art lovers, hosted by the multi-talented award-winning director Zan Azlee and supported by the Japan Foundation Kulala Lumpur.

… and much more

The Maction Planet and Kanpai Planet brands continue to build. Here are a number of other contributions we have made over the last 12 months:

• Mac appeared on an episode of Now and Zen, hosted by Andrew Harkinson 
• Mac and Chef Koji Kawaguchi appeared in a Trash Taste Cooking Special, which has amassed almost 2 million views.
• Our cooking classes were featured in the Japan Times
• Mac was featured in a focus article in the inaugural issue of Flip Magazine, showcasing Maction Planet’s pivots during the pandemic.
• Mac’s writing can be found in more Japan-related outlets, such as Tokyo Weekender and All About Japan
• For the second year in a row, Mac was invited by Toyo University’s Department of International Tourism Management to give a presentation to their students as part of their guest lecturer series. 

We continue…

“Maction Planet is in better shape than ever to serve our guests as soon as tourism recovers,” said Mac.

“I personally cannot wait to welcome you all to the World’s Greatest Metropolis as soon as possible. We are ready when you are! Between now and then, please continue to travel virtually through our content and our virtual experiences.”

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone on the planet who supports Maction Planet. We couldn’t do it without you. Kanpai, and we continue…”

About Maction Planet

Maction Planet is a Travel and Apparel business based in Tokyo. They run private, fully-customised tours and travel experiences in Tokyo, and beyond. Guests have described them as “reinventing custom travel” in Japan. Since the launch of their website in February 2017, and growing their business away from solely ‘word-of-mouth’ recommendations, Maction Planet is ranked in the top echelon of all Tokyo Tours on TripAdvisor, with over 290 5-star reviews – ahead of many long-established Tokyo Tour companies. They have developed a loyal fanbase, with over 3500 Instagram followers and 9000 YouTube subscribers.

To book yours, to purchase a gift card, or to join one of our online tours and experiences contact us at info@mactionplanet.com

You can follow all our adventures on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Mixcloud and YouTube.