High School Students Propose AI Innovations for Future Tokyo in Dialogue with Governor

Dialoguing the Future: Tokyo's Youth and the Governor

The annual event "Dialogue with the Governor" aims to engage high school students in discussions about pressing issues concerning the governance of Tokyo. This year marks the fourth occasion of the event, which was held to explore how to shape "Future Tokyo" using AI and other digital technologies. Twelve students from four different high schools presented their innovative ideas to Governor Yuriko Koike, demonstrating the potential of youth to contribute to urban planning and improvements.

A Platform to Share Ideas

The event serves as a direct channel for students' voices to reach the government. The theme for this year was dedicated to leveraging digital advancements to create an ideal Tokyo. Various suggestions involved the use of smart glasses for tourist guidance, flood detection systems, simplified administrative procedures, and senior citizen monitoring services. This exchange of ideas was not just about presentation but also engaged students in meaningful conversations with the governor on these critical topics.

This initiative reflects the city's commitment to the "2050 Tokyo Strategy", aiming to sustain a vibrant and livable urban environment where the youth feel empowered to bring about positive change.

Highlights of the Proposals

Each team presented unique approaches to tackle existing challenges in Tokyo. Here are some standout proposals:

1. WeAR TOKYO from Shinjuku Yamabuki High School: This team proposed a service that would lend smart glasses to local tourists, allowing them to access real-time information about public transport and attractions. This initiative aims to redistribute visitor footfall across the 23 wards of the city to foster even growth and tourism.

2. Federated App+Service Passport from Shibuya Educational Academy: Their proposal seeks to support expatriates and their families living in Tokyo, incorporating a versatile app to streamline administrative, educational, and medical procedures. This app would also facilitate automatic translation of documents and AI assistance.

3. SUIGAI buster from Tokyo Denki University High School: This innovative team focused on environmental safety, proposing a system to predict the probability of urban flooding using AI analytics. This technology would combine real-time rainfall data with sensors to notify residents about potential flooding emergencies.

4. Crossroad Tokyo from Tokyo Gakugei University Secondary School: Addressing elderly care, their design for an AI-driven care robot includes features for fall detection and reporting. The robot would learn about users' lifestyles to provide personalized support and reduce feelings of isolation.

After their presentations, Governor Koike engaged with each team, asking probing questions that encouraged students to defend and elaborate on their ideas. Their articulate responses showcased the depth of their research and insights, highlighting the importance of youth engagement in civic matters.

Engaging the Public

A video of the event has been made available on the Tokyo Official Video Channel. Last year's recording garnered over 400,000 views, indicating high interest from students and their parents. There is even an incentive to encourage viewership, where participants who respond to a survey after watching the video could win 500 Tokyo Points.

This engagement not only empowers students but fosters a culture where their thoughts and innovations can influence public policy. Governor Koike reiterated her commitment to integrating the perspectives of the younger generation into the city's governance, making Room for a new generation of leaders inspired to make a difference in their communities.

Future Aspirations

The purpose of the event and its structure reflect a critical aspect of the city's future. With a goal that over 40% of youths feel capable of changing society through their actions, these initiatives aim to cultivate hope and ignite ambitions that lead to significant changes in Tokyo's landscape by 2050.

This event not only represents a confluence of youth creativity and government response but also spotlights the pressing need for dialogue in shaping a resilient and inclusive urban space.