2kurabe (nikurabe)

2kurabe (nikurabe) is a free Japanese web service that functions as a platform for users who wish to compare two items - be it text, images, or video.  The idea is to create participation in questions that have two possible answers (ex: boxers or briefs? Peet’s or Starbucks?)  We built the service to fill a gap in the need for simple yet fun feedback systems, and to stimulate more open-minded web-services development.

In addition to its simplicity and design, 2kurabe has two features that help it stand out from competitors - a blog-parts widget and multi-service logins.  The blog-parts widget was an obvious addition, as many bloggers often want to ask their audience a “this-or-that?”-style question (ex: “Do I look better in long or short hair?”).  The ability for users to “attach” a 2kurabe question to their blog has created a loyal user-base who return frequently.

The multi-service login is a less-obvious feature for traditionally closed Japanese web-services.  We give users who already have accounts with other major services such as Flickr, Hatena, and Livedoor the option to login through these 3rd parties.  While we do lose the ability to obtain certain information up front (such as email addresses), we feel the lowered hurdle of 1-click registration is of much greater benefit to the service as a whole.

2kurabe currently floats on its own providing leisurely enjoyment for users.  Occasionally we to use it to showcase our knowledge and experience in rapid development and juicy AJAX coding.  Come back often as we explore additional features!

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