Building Conversational AI for Citizen Engagement: What Yokkaichi Teaches Us

In recent years, the impact of AI technology on municipal services has garnered significant attention, showcasing how local governments can leverage these advancements to meet the evolving needs of their communities. On February 2, 2026, a pivotal online webinar will be held, hosted by Ururu Inc. and featuring insights from Yokkaichi City, Mie Prefecture. This event aims to educate other municipalities about successfully implementing AI-driven customer service agents, such as the "GeN" AI agent developed by Karakuri Inc.

Yokkaichi City implemented the AI agent in November 2025, aiming to streamline handling approximately 120,000 citizen inquiries every month. This endeavor was motivated by ongoing challenges that many municipalities face, such as low usage rates of digital tools and the inability to keep up with FAQ updates. Through the webinar, attendees will learn how Yokkaichi overcame these hurdles to create a digital interface that resonates with citizens and delivers timely information.

Key Insights from the Webinar

1. Creating a Maintenance-Free Information Infrastructure: One of the critical challenges highlighted in municipal DX (Digital Transformation) is the risk of information loss amid structural changes. The webinar will discuss how Yokkaichi City established a robust information infrastructure that continues delivering updated news to citizens despite these changes.

2. User-Centered Design Principles: Utilizing patented technology designed to enhance user experience, Yokkaichi has developed a unique "clarification feature" that guides citizens from vague inquiries to precise answers. This aspect of UX design ensures that users feel comfortable engaging with the system, which in turn boosts the AI’s effective utilization.

3. Fostering Internal Consensus and Mindset Shifts: The panel will address strategies for encouraging staff to embrace AI, emphasizing how staff awareness of AI's benefits is crucial for a smoother integration process. Creating a feasible operational framework that accommodates the AI tool’s use is also a major focal point.

Overview of the Webinar

- Title: Learning from Yokkaichi City: Understanding Citizens’ Immediate Needs through AI Adoption
- Date: February 2, 2026, 14:00 - 15:00 GMT
- Format: Online Webinar
- Organizer: Ururu Inc. (GovTech Bridge)
- Co-sponsor: Karakuri Inc.
- Participation Fee: Free
- Registration: Click here to register.

Special Offer: The first ten participants will receive complimentary access to a dedicated AI demo environment for municipal use.

Schedule of Events

- 14:00 - 14:05: Opening remarks and introduction of speakers
- 14:05 - 14:20: Section 1: Why is AI for Citizens Relevant Now? Addressing 120,000 Inquiries Monthly (Speaker: Akihiro Morimoto, Digital Strategy Department, Yokkaichi City)
- 14:20 - 14:45: Section 2: Overcoming the “Five Barriers” to Avoid Pitfalls: From Preventing Miscommunication to Enhancing Inter-Departmental Cooperation (Speakers: Akihiro Morimoto, Yokkaichi; Naohiro Tamaoki, Karakuri)
- 14:45 - 15:00: Q&A Session

Context of the Presentation

Today, local governments are faced with workforce shortages and changing societal dynamics that demand a rapid response to diverse and complex citizen needs. Addressing inquiries after office hours and maintaining consistent quality across responses are urgent challenges. Karakuri has enriched many private sectors with AI that ensures customer experience (CX) enhancement and streamlining operations. By collaborating with Ururu and contributing our insights, we aim to expedite solutions to the challenges faced by municipal entities across Japan.

Speaker Profiles

- Akihiro Morimoto: A member of Yokkaichi City's Administrative DX Promotion Office, focusing on integrating AI technologies for improving public services since 2022.
- Toru Anso: Manager at Ururu's Procurement Info, specializing in solutions for public procurement challenges, including insight contributions for policy advancements.
- Naohiro Tamaoki: Marketing Team member at Karakuri, involved in promoting AI's role in municipal services and enhancing digital transformation in government.

About Karakuri

Karakuri Inc. is an AI startup focused on the practical application of large language models in customer support. Since our inception in 2016, we've partnered with leading organizations to deliver AI solutions tailored to their needs. Our ongoing commitment to innovation is demonstrated through numerous recognitions and program participations, underscoring our position as a key player in the AI industry. Visit our website to learn more about our work: Karakuri.