Gosen City Enhances Tourism with AI Avatar for Information Services

Gosen City Enhances Tourism with AI Avatar 'AI Sakura-san'

In a significant move towards digital transformation in tourism, Gosen City, located in Niigata Prefecture, is set to implement the AI avatar known as 'AI Sakura-san' at the Gosen City Tourist Information Center, located within the La Porte Gosen facility. Beginning October 1, 2025, this initiative marks the second deployment of its kind in Niigata Prefecture, following a similar introduction in Itoigawa City. The integration of this cutting-edge technology aims to address the increasing demand for multilingual support and alleviate labor shortages by utilizing digital signage to streamline tourist information services and elevate the overall visitor experience.

About La Porte Gosen

La Porte Gosen stands as a community hub spread over approximately 24,000 square meters, featuring a three-story structure of 3,700 square meters and several open spaces. This multifaceted facility is designed to cater to various needs. It includes a multipurpose hall for arts and learning, meeting rooms, shops that sell locally produced goods including Gosen’s renowned knit and silk products, and a cafeteria. It also boasts a wooden structure that provides a comfortable play area for children, making it easily accessible for all users. The facility is managed by the Marutto Gosen Project.

Addressing Labor Shortages and Multilingual Needs

The implementation of AI Sakura-san aligns with Gosen City’s visionary goals outlined by the mayor during the fiscal 2023 policy speech, which emphasizes a commitment to digital transformation (DX) in both administration and industry. This initiative serves as an emblematic stride in promoting Gosen City's digital evolution, particularly within the tourism sector.

With a growing influx of diverse tourists, including those from Taiwan and other regions, the demands for multilingual capabilities and skilled personnel have risen sharply. In response, the deployment of AI Sakura-san equipped with informative interfaces aims to optimize information dissemination while enhancing services available to tourists.

The Role of AI Sakura-san

Positioned within a digital signage terminal at the La Porte Gosen's information booth, AI Sakura-san is designed to offer a wealth of information to visitors. It facilitates easy access to details regarding the various facilities within La Porte Gosen, ensuring that guests have a seamless experience during their visit. Moreover, AI Sakura-san will guide visitors through local tourist attractions and upcoming events, providing an array of experiences for both residents and travelers alike.

Additionally, the system will include information on local dining options and transportation, streamlining the tourist experience. Notably, AI Sakura-san communicates not only in Japanese but also in English, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, and Korean, thus catering to the increasing number of international visitors and ensuring they feel welcomed and supported.

Future Prospects

This rollout serves as a launching pad for Gosen City to collect user feedback and continually enhance the information provided through the AI avatar. The aim is to bolster the dissemination of tourism information throughout the city, while also expanding multilingual capabilities and regional event announcements. By fostering a comfortable environment for both domestic and foreign tourists, Gosen City strives to drive tourism growth and showcase local attractions effectively.

What is AI Sakura-san?

AI Sakura-san is an AI agent that operates without the need for customer registration or tuning, functioning under the motto, "AI Sakura-san by your side for work and joy together." Its design focuses on facilitating dialogue to aid the digital transformation progress for businesses and local governments. Some key features of AI Sakura-san include:

- Utilization of the latest AI technologies, such as ChatGPT and image-generating AI.
- Possession of AI-related patents and quality assurances.
- Compliance with various ISO standards for cloud security.
- Rapid customization based on customer requirements without operational complexity.
- Fully automated maintenance procedures.

Many enterprises aiming for digital transformation have adopted AI Sakura-san, utilizing it for AI-based customer service in transport hubs, commercial facilities, websites, and through phone interactions. This technology has found applications across various sectors, including major corporations, local governments, and public transportation.