#Japan #Sapporo #ZIAI #AI Consultation

Sapporo's Innovative AI Consultation Service to Tackle Loneliness

Sapporo City, in collaboration with ZIAI, a Tokyo-based company specializing in AI technology, is set to launch an AI-driven consultation service, "Sapporo City AI Problem Consultation," beginning March 9, 2026. This groundbreaking initiative is the first of its kind in Hokkaido and aims to assist residents who feel isolated or lonely by providing a 24/7 anonymous chat support line.

Background and Objectives

According to a nationwide survey conducted by the Cabinet Office in 2024, nearly 40% of respondents reported experiencing feelings of loneliness frequently or occasionally. Notably, younger adults in their 20s and 30s exhibit a higher incidence of loneliness, challenging the stereotype that isolation is predominantly an issue for the elderly. This growing concern prompted the government to enact the "Loneliness and Isolation Countermeasures Promotion Act" in 2024. This legislation mandates local governments to establish appropriate support systems tailored to their community’s needs.

Despite these reforms, barriers to seeking help persist. Consultations with local authorities or non-profits remain critically low due to two main obstacles:

1. Psychological Barriers: Many individuals encounter anxiety when faced with the prospect of discussing personal issues with strangers. Feelings of fear, doubt in the resolution of their issues, and a desire to avoid appearing weak complicate outreach efforts, particularly among working adults in their 40s and 50s who prefer self-solving approaches.

2. Temporal Barriers: Most government support services operate only during traditional business hours. This poses a significant challenge for full-time workers who struggle to access these services during their working hours.

As Sapporo is home to nearly 30% of Hokkaido's population, it also grapples with significant social disconnection, as the Cabinet Office's survey indicates a higher tendency among urban dwellers to report minimal neighborhood relationships. The city's welfare plan highlights the rising number of households experiencing social isolation, as well as difficulties faced within existing support frameworks for complex issues like the "8050 problem" and caregiving challenges.

To address the root cause of escalating isolation and intervening only after crises develop, ZIAI proposes using AI as a low-barrier entry point for support.

Overview of the Pilot Project

• - Name: Sapporo City AI Problem Consultation
• - Duration: March 9, 2026 – June 7, 2026
• - Target Audience: Residents of Sapporo
• - Cost: Free
• - Access Method: Via smartphone or other devices through a QR code or URL (available year-round)
• - Key Performance Indicators: Number of consultations from users not previously connected to support services and user satisfaction ratings.

Three Key Features of the Sapporo City AI Consultation Service

1. Anonymity and Accessibility: With just a smartphone, residents can access the service anytime without revealing personal information, alleviating concerns of being recognized. This creates a safe space for individuals who have hesitated to seek help previously.

2. Empathetic AI Focus: The AI is designed to provide emotional support rather than immediate solutions, emphasizing active listening and empathy. It will help users process their feelings and, if necessary, guide them to appropriate governmental resources. User data will remain confidential and will not be utilized for AI training.

3. Customized Referrals: Through collaboration with Sapporo City, the AI will be trained on a comprehensive database containing information about local support services. During interactions, it will identify the core issues faced by users, seamlessly directing them to specialized support as needed. This approach ensures that conversations do not simply end with listening but result in meaningful connections to real-world assistance.

About ZIAI

ZIAI is a healthcare startup dedicated to creating innovative listening experiences through technology. Originally established as a non-profit AI research organization focused on suicide prevention, the company has since transitioned to a business model aimed at societal implementation of its listening algorithms. With the increasing complexity of individual mental health issues and the scarcity of accessible support, ZIAI envisions a future where everyone can seek help regardless of location, age, or financial situation by 2030.
For more information, visit ZIAI's official website.