Collection of short message cards posted online

Q:

I had a katsudon made on the spot, which reminded me of Komaba
Regarding the size indication of rice bowls, if the only thing that changes depending on the size is the amount of rice, please state this in an easily visible place
Also, make sure that nutritional values ​​are clear to people other than those who use the school cafeteria money

A:

Thank you for using Ginkgo Metro Shokudo. We apologize for keeping you waiting as we reopen after a hiatus of about three years
We apologize for the confusing labeling regarding the Katsudon and Oyakodon menus. We remain closed. We will be placing POPs in the menu display
Regarding nutritional values, we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by the large-scale system changes in the National University Co-op Group. The University of Tokyo Co-op has submitted a request for improvement. Please wait for a little while longer. Thank you for your continued support

Q:

I have a green "Co-op Voucher" (The University of Tokyo Consumer Co-op). Can I use this voucher at the Travel Center?
I would like to use it for Shinkansen tickets and express tickets

A:

It can also be used to purchase tickets,
Please inform the staff at the time of purchase

Q:

I tried to apply for membership with the Co-op online, but I found it extremely inconvenient that I could only upload my ID in jpg/gif/png format. The iPhone's native functions don't support converting to these file formats, so I'd like to see an improvement to allow uploading in jpeg format. While it's currently possible to convert to the specified file format using a third-party service or a PC, considering the risks of uploading my ID to a third-party service and the hassle of having to take my PC out, I would really like to see jpeg uploads made possible

A:

You can now upload in jpeg format
The program has been corrected
I hope you will try it again

We apologize for any inconvenience caused
Thank you again for your valuable feedback

Q:

I would like to ask about the new cash registers that were introduced on September 1st. I understand that you are having difficulty adapting to the new machines at your co-op facilities, especially in the cafeteria. I apologize for asking this question when you are already struggling to adapt, but I have three questions regarding this

What is the cause?
It is possible that people are simply not used to the new machines and are taking longer to operate them, or that there may be a malfunction in the system, but I have heard from cashiers that they are slower to respond than the previous machines, and after observing them a little, I have noticed that a deterioration in the user interface of the machines themselves is also a cause, such as the requirement to enter a PIN number for credit card payments, slower receipt printing speeds, and an increase in the number of operations due to the switch to tablets. Regarding this point, I would like to hear from those who actually operate the cash registers about their views on how the Co-op perceives the cause, taking that into consideration

- Are there any current countermeasures?
If you have any measures you are currently taking or considering to address the above causes, we would like to hear about them

- Are there plans to improve the time efficiency of the cash registers and bring it back up to the previous level by the start of the school term (early October)?
If the current situation continues as we enter the school term, we expect the cafeteria and store to be much more crowded than before. Frankly speaking as a user, if this happens, using non-co-op facilities will be a realistic option when time is tight. Therefore, I understand that you are aware that the start of school (around October 3rd) is one possible deadline for improving the situation, but is there currently a timetable for improvement? If the problem is due to familiarity or a malfunction, there is room for improvement, but if it is a problem with the machine itself, a fundamental solution will likely be difficult. It has only been a short time since the problem was discovered, but I would like to hear your current thoughts on the cause and countermeasures

Please feel free to answer only the parts you are able to answer, so thank you for your consideration

A:

Thank you for your continued patronage of the University of Tokyo Co-op. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by the recent cash register change. We also thank you for your inquiry. Below we will respond to your request, mainly regarding the Central Cafeteria. We sincerely apologize for the delay in our response
I. Causes: 0) The first day of the cash register changeover arrived before we were fully familiarized and prepared. 1) There was a mistake in changing the UI (order of food menu items) on the cash register operation screen. Previously, cash registers operated menu screens on cash register panels specific to each cafeteria. When the central cafeteria was changed over, the default standard display screen was used, significantly increasing the number of steps required to call up menu items. 2) After the cash register payment is made, there is a time lag due to the panel operation required to welcome the next customer. There are multiple button operations that were not necessary with the previous cash register, which are causing time lags and stress. 3) The causes are the time lag when linking the cash register to the Stella Terminal (multi-payment terminal) and the specification that requires the entry of credit card PIN numbers　
II. Countermeasures 1) Screen operation is expected to improve as we are changing from a standard screen to a UI that is uniquely reorganized for each restaurant. 2) We are planning to change the system specifications so that it automatically transitions to the initial screen after payment at the register. 3) We plan to disable the requirement to enter credit card PIN numbers up to a certain amount. There is currently no countermeasure for the time lag between the register and the Stellar Terminal, as this is a specification issue
III. Regarding the guidelines for when A semester starts: 1) Improvements are expected (at the Central Cafeteria) during the week of September 12th. 2) We have been informed that the system specifications have changed and it will not be ready by October 3rd. 3) Around September 15th, there will be a change that will eliminate the need to enter PIN numbers up to a certain amount
Additionally, because cafeteria money and cash payments do not require a Stellar Terminal, we have found that payments are relatively quick. We will consider establishing separate registers, such as cafeteria money-only registers and cash-only registers, as well as measures to encourage the use of cafeteria money. While we do not yet know when we will be able to return to previous levels by the start of the A semester, we will continue to make the necessary improvements. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and thank you for your continued cooperation

Q:

The previous method of paying for the Gakushoku Pass using a transportation IC card was quite convenient, so why did they switch to an app? Problems include the need for a smartphone, the requirement for multiple registrations and logins within the app, poor signal reception at the Hongo Central Cafeteria, and the need to launch the app before making a payment. It seems unnatural to require a smartphone for the Gakushoku Pass, which previously only required a deposit and enough money to be deposited into the Gakushoku Pass. Furthermore, this transition was carried out arbitrarily and quickly, without any consideration for student opinion, and it clearly shows a disregard for users. Second, the app requires multiple logins. Since students already have a Gakushoku Pass, additional registrations and logins should be unnecessary, and this feels like an unnecessarily cumbersome process. Third, the Hongo Central Cafeteria has poor signal reception due to structural issues, and even if the university's wireless network is used, it is expected to be crowded during peak hours. Finally, it could potentially complicate the cash register process. Using the app requires multiple operations, such as unlocking the smartphone, logging in, selecting payment options, and choosing a cafeteria pass, and it is expected that the cafeteria, which is already crowded even with the one-touch cafeteria pass, will become even more crowded during peak hours
I would like to know why they made such a change that no student wanted. I hope they will go back to the transportation IC card system

A:

Thank you for your continued patronage of the Co-op. Thank you for your comment. We apologize for the inconvenience caused by the transition from Gakushoku Pass to Gakushoku Money. The Gakushoku Pass system was linked to a POS register (manufactured by Toshiba TEC) that was used jointly by not only the University of Tokyo Co-op but also many other university co-ops in the Tokyo area. As part of a major system overhaul across the nationwide university co-op group, including the Tokyo area, the registers will also be changed. The Gakushoku Pass system, which was previously only used in the Tokyo area, has also been updated to a smartphone app: Gakushoku Money. We apologize for the inconvenience this system will cause our members. While the transition from Gakushoku Pass to Gakushoku Money is due to the nationwide system overhaul, all previous features (cashless use at co-op cafeterias, limited use for eating in, and viewing usage history and nutrition information on your personal page) will remain the same. In the future, we plan to implement point rewards for individual items, events, fairs, and other events. Additionally, the Co-op sells food items such as lunch boxes and drinks not only in the cafeteria but also in the store, but after the transition to the cafeteria money system, the scope of use has been expanded to include food items at the store. By promoting the spread of use between the cafeteria and the store, we hope to alleviate congestion as much as possible. Finally, we would like to individually consult and provide support to members who do not have smartphones but currently use the cafeteria pass. From a system perspective, we believe it is necessary to consider using and paying via methods other than smartphones. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by the system changeover. We appreciate your continued support

Q:

Regarding checking your balance after transferring from Gakushoku Pass to the app

I still can't check my previous balance on the app, but I wonder if I'll be able to check it from the "Payment" section on September 1st. My balance isn't displayed on my Univcoop My Portal, so I'm worried about how to check it

A:

The final remaining balance of your Gakushoku Pass up until August 21st can currently be viewed on the traditional Gakushoku Pass My Page. As of August 22nd, the payment service for the Gakushoku Pass has been suspended, so please rest assured that there will be no changes to your remaining balance. The remaining balance will be transferred via the system, and you will be able to check it by logging in from September 1st using the "Payment" button. Please be aware that there has been a delay in providing information on payment and deposit methods and history confirmation

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. We will notify you via in-app notifications before you can start using the service, so please wait a little longer

Q:

I used a bundle fair and the amount on the receipt didn't match
Then I realized the discount amount was wrong. When I asked at the bookstore, they told me that the discount amount was rounded down to the nearest tenth. It wasn't written anywhere. If the fractional parts were to add up, the total amount would change considerably. Things like this only reinforce the image of the Co-op as a "nefarious organization that greedily takes money from students." I really want a refund

A:

- Regarding the current discount calculation method,
　We apologize for not being able to fully inform you of this
・From September 1st, all University Co-op stores will be updated to a new cash register system
　The new register will calculate the discount amount in 1 yen increments
　With the change to the new cash register, we will be offering points instead of cash discounts
　There is a university co-op, and the University of Tokyo co-op will continue to offer cash discounts
・The period until the above renewal (until the end of August)
　The method for calculating the discount amount will be posted near the register
　The posters will be posted when the store opens on August 4th

Based on this indication,
We are considering reviewing the information provided when joining the co-op
Regarding the expressions and descriptions used so far,
We will strive to provide more accurate information

Q:

Regarding the abolition of the school cafeteria pass
It seems that the Gakushoku Pass service will be discontinued, but I don't think there has been a sufficient explanation as to why it is being discontinued. Please explain the rationale for discontinuing it, what advantages the app has over the Gakushoku Pass service, and why the Gakushoku Pass service cannot replace it. Also, while there are likely a small number of subscribers who do not own smartphones, it is unfair to unilaterally discontinue the Gakushoku Pass service and ask them to switch to the app without providing any alternative measures for them. I believe an explanation is needed on this point as well. I look forward to your sincere response

A:

We apologize for any inconvenience caused regarding the transition from cafeteria pass to cafeteria money

The Gakushoku Pass system was linked to a POS register (Toshiba TEC) that was used jointly not only by the University of Tokyo Co-op but also by many other university co-ops in the Tokyo area. As part of a large-scale system overhaul across the nationwide university co-op group, including the Tokyo area, the registers will also be changed, and the Gakushoku Pass system, which was only used in the Tokyo area, will be revamped and made into a smartphone app. Since the services that have been provided through the Gakushoku Pass will continue to be available even after the overhaul, we have decided to ask members to switch to Gakushoku Money. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this system switchover will cause our members

As mentioned above, the transition from Gakushoku Pass to Gakushoku Money is due to a nationwide system renewal, but the existing functions (cashless use at the Co-op cafeteria, use limited to eating, viewing usage history and nutritional information on My Page) will basically be maintained. In the future, we also plan to implement the awarding of points based on single items, events, fairs, etc
Additionally, one of the most pressing requests from members of the University of Tokyo Co-op, especially the Komaba campus, is to reduce congestion at the cafeteria during peak lunch hours
We believe that the increase in the number of cafeteria pass holders and the fact that the cafeteria pass is limited to use on cafeteria menu items are also factors contributing to the congestion. The Co-op sells food such as bento boxes and drinks not only in cafeterias but also in store outlets, so after the transition to cafeteria money, we would like to expand the scope of use to include food at store outlets, making it a system that further supports eating on campus. We hope that by promoting the spread of cafeteria and store use, we can help alleviate congestion as much as possible

Finally, if there are any members who do not have a smartphone but are currently using the cafeteria pass, we would like to consult with them individually and provide support
From a system perspective, we believe it is necessary to consider usage and payment methods other than smartphones

Q:

Tosho Card Next is being sold at a discount at discount shops, so to help reduce the burden of book costs for students, we would like you to consider the following:

1. Negotiate with major discount ticket shops (such as Ticket Ranger, J Market, or Ticketty) to have them install a book card vending machine in the university bookstore and have the shop replenish the book cards as needed. Alternatively, you can take on consignment sales from the discount ticket shop and sell them to students at a discounted price at the bookstore counter

2. The University of Tokyo Co-op will purchase Next Book Cards in bulk from major gift certificate shops at bulk rates and sell them to students at the University Bookstore (and faculty and staff if there are any surplus). In this case, it would probably be necessary to obtain a secondhand goods dealer license under the Secondhand Goods Dealers Act, but since they are planning to obtain a license in order to start trading in computers, I think the hurdle is low

In addition, please consider items sold at discount ticket shops that may be useful to students, such as JAL or ANA shareholder discount tickets (for returning home, etc.), stamps, and JR Orange Cards (some major discount ticket shops sell stamps at a discount of nearly 20%, while Orange Cards are discounted by nearly 10%)
It is possible for individual students to use gift certificate shops, but as they are small individual customers they are not eligible for bulk rates, and as the transactions are small in volume, shipping costs can be a burden, so it would be better if the university co-op handled them in bulk

Q:

You requested that we sell the cards at a discount, like the book cards sold at gift certificate shops. We apologize for the delay in responding as we have had to check the purchasing conditions of the gift certificate shop based on the information you provided
To put it simply, it is difficult to sell library cards at a discount even if you purchase them from a gift certificate shop
The reason is that if you purchase a book card from a gift certificate shop that provided you with information
When you take into account the costs involved, the total price ends up being higher than the purchase price of a new library card
Co-ops also incur certain costs in running their businesses
Please understand that it is difficult to sell at the same price we purchased it at

Q:

I have a question. Following the recent announcement regarding the abolition of the Gakushoku Pass, there is information that the University of Tokyo may follow the trend of other university co-ops and abolish the 10% discount on books for members. Regarding this, I would like to ask whether a decision has been made at this point regarding the abolition of the discount, and whether abolition is being considered at the management level

In addition, as we believe there are many students, faculty and staff members who are interested in this matter, we would also like to request that an official announcement be made in either case

A:

Regarding your inquiry regarding whether the 10% discount on books offered to members will be abolished, the University of Tokyo Co-op has no plans to abolish the current discount on books offered to members