#Japan #AI Agents #Seibu Railway #Chichibu #Chichibu Area

AI Agents to Promote Tourism in Chichibu

In an exciting development for the tourism sector, Flyout Planning Inc., based in Minato, Tokyo, has partnered with Seibu Railway Co. to conduct a project aimed at enhancing tourism in the Chichibu and Yokose regions through the deployment of interactive AI agents. This initiative is set to begin on March 11, 2026, with the introduction of two AI characters named Alice (the younger sister) at Yokose Station and Alisa (the older sister) at Seibu-Chichibu Station starting on April 4, 2026.

The Role of AI Agents

Both AI agents will be proficient in over 57 languages, offering tourists assistance not only through signage but also via QR codes that enable smartphone users to access information 24/7. This innovative approach responds to the increasing demand for multilingual support as the tourist footfall rises—anticipated to reach around 200,000 visitors during the Cherry Blossom season in mid-April and through Golden Week.

The introduction of Alice and Alisa is part of a series of steps by Seibu Railway to alleviate the strain on station staff and to improve the experience for inbound visitors. This follows a trial conducted at Ashigakubo Station, which showed impressive engagement through high response rates on digital signage, with Alice achieving a 34% response rate, significantly above the industry average.

New Features to Enhance Engagement

These AI agents come packed with engaging functionalities aimed at making the visit more delightful:

• - Photo Opportunities: Tourists can take photos with Alice and Alisa in augmented reality setups, allowing for memorable keepsakes during their visit.

• - Original Songs: Each character has their theme song, which they will perform upon request, with Alice singing about her love for strawberries, and Alisa capturing the tranquil atmosphere of Chichibu.

• - Fortune Telling: Tourists can receive AI-generated fortunes from Alisa, offering a playful twist to their experience.

• - Interactive Games: Alice invites users to play rock-paper-scissors, adding a fun interactive element that can lead to personal anecdotes or recommendations based on the outcome.

Goals and Future Plans

The overarching goal of this trial is to amplify the recognition of the Chichibu area, enhance the quality of tourist interactions, and manage the increasing inquiries effectively. This innovative approach is expected not only to streamline visitor engagement but also to serve as a stepping stone towards a full-scale tourism digital transformation (DX).

As part of the broader strategy, the monthly adjustments in visitor engagement methods, including social media promotions and QR code distributions at other stations, will be implemented. Analyzing the conversation logs and usage statistics will help inform future developments in tourism services.

The stations will see AI signage at two key locations: Yokose Station at the entrance of the ENgaWA diner and Seibu-Chichibu Station at the entrance of the Yuzawa Onsen.

About Flyout Planning Inc.

Founded on January 16, 1992, Flyout Planning is dedicated to delivering memorable experiences through strategic PR and event planning. The company has increasingly focused on developing AI applications since 2023, including a unique AI agent for environmental events, and aims to merge technology with creativity to continue offering enhanced travel experiences in the future.

With the roll-out of AI agents in the Chichibu area, the collaboration between Flyout Planning and Seibu Railway marks a significant leap forward in tourist engagement, setting the stage for a modernized and enjoyable travel experience.