Minowa Town in Nagano Prefecture Adopts AI-Enhanced Multilingual Translation Service

Introduction

In an effort to better serve the diverse community of foreign residents, Minowa Town in Nagano Prefecture has recently adopted an innovative multilingual translation service powered by artificial intelligence. This initiative, led by Yaraku Inc., aims to ensure that critical information is accessible to all residents, particularly in emergencies.

Background of the Initiative

Yaraku Inc., based in Shibuya, Tokyo, has developed a cutting-edge translation support tool known as “Yaraku Translation.” The service was officially introduced in Minowa Town, which has a population of approximately 24,000, of which around 820 are foreign nationals as of June 1, 2025. The majority of these residents work in local manufacturing industries and hail from various countries including Brazil, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, and China.

Historically, information for residents was primarily provided in Portuguese, reflecting the town's demographics. However, as the resident composition has evolved, the need for multilingual information has become increasingly urgent. The town’s leadership recognized the necessity to deliver life-saving information effectively, especially considering the significant challenges faced during crises.

The Need for Effective Communication

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the challenges faced by foreign residents in accessing vital services. Many long-term residents reported difficulties, such as not knowing how to call for an ambulance, exposing a critical gap in the dissemination of life-sustaining information. This situation prompted local authorities to reassess their communication strategies and explore the introduction of a tool capable of providing multilingual support.

Strengths of the Yaraku Translation Tool

Minowa Town selected Yaraku Translation due to several key advantages:
1. Multiple Translation Engines: The tool offers a feature that allows comparison of outputs from different translation engines, enabling users to select the most natural phrasing.
2. Back Translation Feature: Staff can retranslate information into Japanese to verify that the original intent is preserved, ensuring accuracy.
3. Cost-Effectiveness: Yaraku Translation requires minimal initial investment and offers affordable monthly fees, making it accessible for local governments.
4. Privacy Considerations: The design accommodates workplaces that handle personal information, ensuring sensitive data is managed appropriately.
5. User-Friendly Interface: The platform is designed for ease of use, allowing administrative staff with varying levels of IT literacy to adopt it seamlessly into their operations.

These attributes align well with the municipality's goal of maximizing effectiveness within limited resources, leading to the decision to implement the service.

Focus on Emergency Preparedness

Since its implementation in April 2025, Minowa Town's Living Safety and Security Division, along with the Multicultural Coexistence and Gender Equality Promotion Office, have actively utilized Yaraku Translation for multilingual initiatives focused on disaster prevention and community living information.

The increasing diversity of the resident population has led to the demand for translations not only in Portuguese but also in other languages like Tagalog, Vietnamese, Indonesian, and Chinese. By the end of the 2025 fiscal year, Minowa Town plans to publish its disaster hazard maps in five languages, marking a significant step towards inclusivity in community safety resources.

Conclusion

The introduction of the Yaraku Translation service in Minowa Town epitomizes a proactive approach to multicultural integration and emergency preparedness within Japanese society. By leveraging advanced AI technology, the town aims to bridge the communication gap, ensuring that crucial information reaches all residents, regardless of their language background.

About the Companies

Yaraku Inc.

- Location: 16th Floor, Linksquare Shinjuku, 5-27-5 Sendagaya, Shibuya, Tokyo
- CEO: Yu Sakawan
- Business Focus: Development and provision of translation support tools utilizing generative AI.
- Website: yaraku.com