#Japan #Gifu #Gifu City #Otta #Change HD

Gifu City’s Commitment to Child Safety

On October 3rd, Gifu City, represented by Mayor Masaichi Shibahashi, signed a collaborative agreement with Change Holdings (Change HD) and Otta, two innovative companies dedicated to enhancing community safety through technology. Set to launch by April 2026, the initiative aims to implement a child monitoring service across all municipal elementary schools, compulsory education schools, and special needs schools in Gifu City.

Purpose of the Initiative

The primary goal of this collaboration is to ensure the safety and well-being of children during their commute to and from school. By providing a robust monitoring system, the city seeks to create a secure environment for families and children, fostering peace of mind within the community.

Implementation Details

In cooperation with Change HD and Otta, Gifu City will establish new monitoring spots along school routes and distribute monitoring devices to all interested children at no cost. This system will serve as a free safety net that operates during emergencies. Children will carry dedicated devices that log their locations as they pass by the newly installed monitoring spots, designated taxis, or other nearby guardians. This innovative service is part of Otta's town security initiative, which leverages Internet of Things (IoT) technology to enhance local safety measures.

Locations Covered

The monitoring initiative will take place in 45 elementary schools, one compulsory education school, and one special needs school across Gifu City.

Target Audience

To qualify for the free monitoring devices, applicants must be students and parents of elementary schools, compulsory education schools, and special needs schools within Gifu City. This includes students entering the first grade in the 2026 academic year, as well as those currently enrolled in grades two to six.

Background of Change HD and Otta

Since their business partnership commenced on April 8, 2025, Change HD and Otta have been actively promoting the rollout of Otta's town security service across the nation. Both companies share a commitment to accelerating initiatives that connect digital technology with community safety.

About Change Holdings

Change HD’s mission is to 'Change People, Change Business, Change Japan.' The company seeks to revolutionize productivity through the training of digital talent and business process innovation under its NEW-IT transformation division. Additionally, it aims to promote local revitalization via digital transformation through its public technology business. For more information, please visit Change Holdings.

About Otta

Otta is a pioneer in monitoring services that utilize IoT technology, with a mission to establish social infrastructure ensuring safety for all citizens. They collaborate with various municipalities, companies, and organizations to create a 'smart monitoring city' that supports the well-being of everyone, from children to the elderly. For further details, visit Otta.

Otta Town Security Services Overview

Otta operates the 'Otta Monitoring Network,' a unique location-based platform that works with municipalities and companies nationwide to provide monitoring services. This network includes fixed monitoring spots located around schools, stations, and other public spaces, as well as mobile monitoring options provided by community members and taxis equipped with the monitoring app.

When children wearing the monitoring devices pass these spots or come near a monitoring taxi or guardian, their locations are recorded. Parents can later verify this recorded travel history, ensuring they stay informed about their children's movements. Through partnerships with law enforcement and other public agencies, Otta also supports search efforts in case of emergencies.

Types of Services Offered

• - Free Service: All registered participants can use the basic monitoring service without charge. Parents can request location data from authorities in case of an emergency.
• - Paid Service: This allows parents to access recorded locations directly on their smartphones and receive notifications regarding pre-set monitoring spots.

Conclusion

This partnership between Gifu City, Change HD, and Otta is poised to redefine safety for children in the community. By embracing technology and collaboration, these organizations are taking significant strides toward ensuring a secure and supportive environment for families in Gifu.

For inquiries, please contact:

• - Otta, Public Relations

Email: [email protected]