#Japan #Okayama #ToyTalk #Mimasaka Train #Okayama AI

Introduction

In an exciting development for the tourism sector, ToyTalk, a product of Bridgewell Co., established a collaboration agreement with the Okayama Prefecture to implement an innovative AI tour guide experiment on the Mimasaka Slow Life Train. Taking place on November 8 and 9, 2025, this project aims to enhance passenger experience through advanced AI technology. The AI guide named Sakura engages travelers in natural conversations about local history, attractions, station guidance, and train operation information.

Overview of the Experiment

The concept of incorporating an AI-driven guide into a traveling experience is groundbreaking, especially in a local context such as Mimasaka. The experiment's goal was to explore the potential of combining tourism with AI to improve passenger interactions and promote local attractions in multiple languages. The specific objectives included:

• - Enhancing passenger experience through engaging interactions.
• - Testing multi-language capabilities for international visitors.
• - Showcasing local attractions and cultural history effectively.

Sakura, the AI guide, was designed to respond in 57 different languages with a quick response time of just 0.3 seconds, providing insights in the Okayama dialect. The implementation of this AI is part of the first collaborative initiative outlined in the agreement between Bridgewell and the Okayama Prefectural Government, signed earlier in the year. The fun and engaging character of Sakura is not just a tool; it's a means to enhance the experience of the trip while adding an element of enjoyment.

For those interested in experiencing Sakura firsthand, you can find her on ToyTalk's website.

Key Results from the Experiment

The initial results of the AI tour guide experiment were promising. The number of total conversation sessions stood at 118, with 63 unique users engaging with the AI. The average conversation length was 131 seconds, showcasing participants' willingness to explore the offered insights and interact with Sakura. The conversations varied significantly, with certain themes attracting more attention:

• - Points of interest and sightseeing in the area (78 interactions).
• - Train schedules and stopover information (62 interactions).
• - Local history, railways, and vehicles (57 interactions).
• - Casual conversations with the character (52 interactions).

A notable focus was seen in inquiries related to 'Mimasaka Taki Station,' regional cuisine, and historical dialogue. The considerable interest in such localized themes suggests that there is significant potential for AI tourism guides to engage meaningfully with visitors.

Insights Gained

The questions posed by tourists predominantly concentrated on region-specific themes like 'Mimasaka Taki Station,' local delicacies, and historical contexts. This indicates that standard AI technologies may struggle to provide satisfactory answers to such specialized inquiries. Moreover, it became clear that the core of passenger satisfaction lies in the intersection of tourism, train operations, and historical narratives. Thus, for an AI guide to be widely adopted, it must possess a deep well of localized knowledge.

Comments from Local Officials

Yusuke Maruyama from the Okayama Prefectural Government stated the initiative was proposed merely two months before the signing of the agreement. The emphasis was not just on promoting local public transportation but also on ensuring that first-time users experience the voice AI naturally and enjoyably. The development of an accurate representation of the Okayama dialect was initially challenging, but with refined adjustments by Bridgewell representatives leading up to the event, significant improvement was noted in pronunciation accuracy. Maruyama expressed gratitude for the technical capability that the partnership demonstrated and noted a strong public engagement with the AI during the experimental days. Users reported enjoying the latest AI experience and showed excited anticipation for future AI services.

About ToyTalk

ToyTalk is a conversational AI character platform created by Bridgewell, allowing anyone to easily produce AI characters that can communicate information in various contexts, including tourism, services, events, and education. No specialized system or technical knowledge is necessary—users can input local knowledge and allow the characters to engage naturally in conversations. With capabilities such as multi-language support and rapid response, ToyTalk also assists in accommodating international visitors and enhancing operational efficiencies.

Visit ToyTalk's official website for more details.

About Bridgewell Co.

Founded on November 22, 2019, Bridgewell aims to connect people and organizations, creating new value and possibilities for society. It contributes towards sustainable development through various services, including the subscription service for diapers called 'Omutsu Company.' Their vision for the future includes continuing to enhance AI's usability as a tool to tackle local challenges.

For more information, check their homepage and explore the other services they offer.