Innovative AI Solutions for Municipal Challenges Unveiled at ODEX 2025

The 5th Digital Transformation (DX) Promotion Exhibition, part of the ODEX event, will be held from June 4 to 6, 2025, at Tokyo Big Sight, featuring a special zone dedicated to municipal digital transformation solutions. Organized by the General Association of Municipal DX Promotion (GDX), this event will gather 18 corporate sponsors to showcase a variety of cutting-edge technologies aimed at addressing local government challenges. Among the exhibitors is Nippon Shahei Giken Co., Ltd., represented by Vice President Takahiro Hirayama, who will present their innovative AI-based animal damage prevention solutions tailored for municipal needs.

Event Overview

- Event Name: 5th Digital Transformation Exhibition, ODEX Municipal Digitalization Support EXPO
- Date: June 4 to June 6, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Venue: Tokyo Big Sight, Halls 1-3
- Supported by: Ministries of Internal Affairs, Health, Economy, Land, and the Digital Agency

GDX Special Zone

The GDX is establishing a dedicated area within this exhibition, where attendees can explore various municipal DX solutions alongside 18 sponsoring companies. This initiative aims to introduce the latest technologies and services designed to address the digitalization issues faced by local governments and to promote municipal digital transformation.

GDX Initiatives

At the event, GDX plans to report the findings from a recent survey on the awareness and actual status of municipal DX. This includes case studies of successful partnerships between municipalities and businesses, along with examples of advanced practices from across the country. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss solutions tailored to challenges faced in municipal DX efforts.

Exhibitor Highlight: Nippon Shahei Giken Co., Ltd.

Founded in Fukushima, Nippon Shahei Giken began with radiation measurement and has since expanded its focus to solve various social issues confronting municipalities.

Early Warning System for Wild Animal Encounters: “AI Wana Cloud”

The “AI Wana Cloud” early warning system operates on standard AA batteries for up to six months and integrates cloud communication features along with an AI image recognition system that identifies wildlife species. This innovation addresses challenges posed by an aging hunting community and a shortage of manpower, significantly improving the efficiency of wildlife damage countermeasures. This product has already been recognized as part of the 2023 Koriyama City Challenge New Product Certification Project.

Unmanned Surveillance System: “VIGILA”

Utilizing the technology from “AI Wana Cloud”, the VIGILA system employs AI image recognition to detect humans and vehicles. It contributes to safeguarding mega solar facilities from theft and monitors illegal dumping, ensuring safety and peace of mind in regions facing population decline.

Radiation Measurement and Environmental Monitoring Solutions

Leveraging foundational technology, Nippon Shahei Giken provides comprehensive solutions for environmental safety, aiding municipalities in monitoring safety and environmental conditions.

Membership Enrollment for FY 2025

Public Membership (for Municipalities and Related Parties)

GDX is inviting applications for the 2025 Public Membership, completely free of enrollment and annual fees, aimed at supporting municipal personnel in solving their challenges.

Public Member Benefits

- Quarterly publication distribution of “Municipal DX Guide”
- Distribution of survey reports
- Priority notices for events and free participation
- Opportunities to explore advanced municipal examples and inspections
- Support for structuring collaboration among member organizations
- Matching with private enterprises tailored to specific challenges

The “Municipal DX Awareness and Actual Status Survey” covering 1,788 municipalities revealed disparities in DX promotion based on municipality size and common issues such as confusion over where to start and workload concerns. GDX addresses these issues with supportive measures ranging from problem identification to operational support.

Associate Membership (for Private Enterprises)

GDX is also seeking participation from businesses able to address local issues through collaboration with municipalities. Launched in January 2024, the matching initiative has successfully connected numerous municipalities with enterprises aiming to leverage their expertise.

Associate Membership Details

- Membership Type: Associate Member
- Enrollment Fee: 50,000 yen / Annual Fee: 50,000 yen

Participating businesses are particularly welcome in areas such as:

- Digitalization of Administrative Procedures: E-application systems, one-stop services
- Data Utilization: Statistical data analysis, policy support
- Enhanced Resident Services: Online counseling, remote medical care
- Efficiency Improvement: AI/RPA implementation, back-office reforms
- Disaster Management: Sharing disaster information, resilience enhancement
- Smart City: Urban OS, IoT utilization
- Promotion of Residency: Regional promotion, workation support
- Educational DX: Digital education materials
- Regional Economic Revitalization: Cashless implementation, tourism DX
- Security Enhancements: Information security measures
- Hometown Tax: Development of return gifts, portal management
- Public-Private Collaboration: PPP/PFI, social problem-solving business support

Inquiries

Businesses interested in contributing to resolving local challenges through collaboration with municipalities are advised to consider joining GDX as an associate member. For membership details and inquiries, please contact the secretariat.

General Association of Municipal DX Promotion (GDX)

Membership Application Form
GDX Secretariat Contact: 03-6683-0106
Email: info@gdx.or.jp

The General Association of Municipal DX Promotion (GDX) is dedicated to promoting digital transformation in local governments, aiming for sustainable community development. By collaborating with each municipality, GDX aims to support the resolution of local issues and the creation of innovation through the use of digital technologies, acting as a bridge between local governments and businesses to accelerate regional revitalization through digital transformation. Feel free to reach out for any inquiries regarding this press release.