Accelerating Local Government DX through Generative AI: The Case of Hikone City
On April 10, 2026, Hikone City, in partnership with And Dot Inc., held a signing ceremony for a collaborative agreement focusing on enhancing local government operations through the use of artificial intelligence (AI). This agreement comes as a follow-up to their initial partnership formed in August 2025 and marks a significant step in their journey toward making municipal services more efficient and citizen-friendly.
AX Produce Business Explained
The AX Produce initiative from And Dot is a comprehensive program designed to enable local governments to transform their operations by integrating AI technologies. By going beyond just providing AI tools, the program systematically assists municipalities in fundamentally rethinking their business models with AI at the core. Their approach includes not only selecting the right AI technologies and implementing them, but also fostering a cultural shift within the organization by facilitating learning and unifying skills among staff members.
Context
According to a report by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, about 30% of municipal governments have already adopted generative AI for tasks like minute-taking, and this number rises to over 50% when including those considering or planning to implement such technologies. Adoption rates are even higher in prefectures, with 83%, and designated cities, with 85%, demonstrating a nationwide trend toward the incorporation of generative AI in public administration.
However, many municipalities face challenges such as under-utilization of the technology and varying levels of AI proficiency among employees. Recognizing these hurdles, Hikone City entered into a partnership with And Dot to not only implement tools but also ensure that AI usage becomes ingrained in the organization.
Achievements
As a result of the collaborative efforts under the agreement, approximately 300 staff members in Hikone City are now regularly using generative AI in their daily work. The accomplishments achieved so far include:
1. Enhanced Operational Efficiency: The city has improved its operations, notably in preparing replies for city council meetings. AI has facilitated the rapid creation of precise response drafts that accurately reflect stakeholder intentions.
2. Structured Training Initiative: Using And Dot’s proprietary AI Skill Pyramid, Hikone has successfully elevated employee literacy regarding AI technologies.
3. Contextual Support: The outcomes draw from And Dot’s extensive experience supporting over 300 municipalities nationwide, tailoring interventions to the unique challenges faced by Hikone.
Roadmap Ahead
During the recent signing ceremony, a clear roadmap for 2026 was also unveiled. Hikone City and And Dot plan to deepen their collaboration through four primary pillars:
1. Breaking Down Psychological Barriers: AI will be integrated into daily operations, aimed at dispelling any fears or uncertainties staff may have regarding the technology. Creating an environment where all employees feel comfortable with AI is the priority.
2. Training the Workforce for the AI Era: Educational support and guidance will reshuffle talent allocations to prepare staff for upcoming changes, nurturing the next leaders of digital transformation (DX).
3. Establishing Hikone as a Model: The easy-to-replicate success stories from Hikone will be shared with other municipalities and government bodies, aiding in the broader reform of local government working practices throughout Japan.
4. Enhancing Citizen Experience: By utilizing AI, Hikone City aims to provide a welcoming and supportive administrative experience to all citizens, thereby improving the quality of public services.
Future Outlook
"Redefining the Role of Human Work" is the vision that emerges from this endeavor, as articulated by And Dot's CEO, Yuta Ibaraki.
He stated, "Achieving a regular utilization rate of generative AI by 300 employees in just over six months is a testament to the commitment of Hikone’s staff to improve their work processes. In 2026, we intend to build on this success and position Hikone as a national model for public sector DX. AI has the potential to bridge the gap between government administration and its citizens, fostering a supportive city hall for everyone. We are dedicated to redefining the work that should be done by humans and establishing a foundation where creative tasks can flourish."
Additionally, Hikone City Mayor Kazunari Tajima echoed these sentiments, reflecting on the initial apprehensions regarding AI adoption amongst employees. With effective and tailored training provided by And Dot, around 300 staff members now confidently utilize AI daily—leading to remarkable outcomes such as expedited internal information sharing and the swift preparation of council responses.
As the collaboration continues, And Dot aims to leverage its relationship with the National Institute of Local Government and its wealth of experience assisting over 150 local governments in Japan to further boost Hikone’s DX efforts. Together, they aim to broadcast the success of this initiative nationwide, establishing it as a blueprint for AI integration among local governments.
AX Produce Business Explained
The AX Produce initiative from And Dot is a comprehensive program designed to enable local governments to transform their operations by integrating AI technologies. By going beyond just providing AI tools, the program systematically assists municipalities in fundamentally rethinking their business models with AI at the core. Their approach includes not only selecting the right AI technologies and implementing them, but also fostering a cultural shift within the organization by facilitating learning and unifying skills among staff members.
Context
According to a report by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, about 30% of municipal governments have already adopted generative AI for tasks like minute-taking, and this number rises to over 50% when including those considering or planning to implement such technologies. Adoption rates are even higher in prefectures, with 83%, and designated cities, with 85%, demonstrating a nationwide trend toward the incorporation of generative AI in public administration.
However, many municipalities face challenges such as under-utilization of the technology and varying levels of AI proficiency among employees. Recognizing these hurdles, Hikone City entered into a partnership with And Dot to not only implement tools but also ensure that AI usage becomes ingrained in the organization.
Achievements
As a result of the collaborative efforts under the agreement, approximately 300 staff members in Hikone City are now regularly using generative AI in their daily work. The accomplishments achieved so far include:
1. Enhanced Operational Efficiency: The city has improved its operations, notably in preparing replies for city council meetings. AI has facilitated the rapid creation of precise response drafts that accurately reflect stakeholder intentions.
2. Structured Training Initiative: Using And Dot’s proprietary AI Skill Pyramid, Hikone has successfully elevated employee literacy regarding AI technologies.
3. Contextual Support: The outcomes draw from And Dot’s extensive experience supporting over 300 municipalities nationwide, tailoring interventions to the unique challenges faced by Hikone.
Roadmap Ahead
During the recent signing ceremony, a clear roadmap for 2026 was also unveiled. Hikone City and And Dot plan to deepen their collaboration through four primary pillars:
1. Breaking Down Psychological Barriers: AI will be integrated into daily operations, aimed at dispelling any fears or uncertainties staff may have regarding the technology. Creating an environment where all employees feel comfortable with AI is the priority.
2. Training the Workforce for the AI Era: Educational support and guidance will reshuffle talent allocations to prepare staff for upcoming changes, nurturing the next leaders of digital transformation (DX).
3. Establishing Hikone as a Model: The easy-to-replicate success stories from Hikone will be shared with other municipalities and government bodies, aiding in the broader reform of local government working practices throughout Japan.
4. Enhancing Citizen Experience: By utilizing AI, Hikone City aims to provide a welcoming and supportive administrative experience to all citizens, thereby improving the quality of public services.
Future Outlook
"Redefining the Role of Human Work" is the vision that emerges from this endeavor, as articulated by And Dot's CEO, Yuta Ibaraki.
He stated, "Achieving a regular utilization rate of generative AI by 300 employees in just over six months is a testament to the commitment of Hikone’s staff to improve their work processes. In 2026, we intend to build on this success and position Hikone as a national model for public sector DX. AI has the potential to bridge the gap between government administration and its citizens, fostering a supportive city hall for everyone. We are dedicated to redefining the work that should be done by humans and establishing a foundation where creative tasks can flourish."
Additionally, Hikone City Mayor Kazunari Tajima echoed these sentiments, reflecting on the initial apprehensions regarding AI adoption amongst employees. With effective and tailored training provided by And Dot, around 300 staff members now confidently utilize AI daily—leading to remarkable outcomes such as expedited internal information sharing and the swift preparation of council responses.
As the collaboration continues, And Dot aims to leverage its relationship with the National Institute of Local Government and its wealth of experience assisting over 150 local governments in Japan to further boost Hikone’s DX efforts. Together, they aim to broadcast the success of this initiative nationwide, establishing it as a blueprint for AI integration among local governments.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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