#Japan #Digital Signage #Tsukuba #Tsukuba Express #Navita

Celebrating 20 Years: Digital Transformation of Tsukuba Express Station Maps

As Tsukuba Express approaches its 20th anniversary on August 24, 2025, an exciting transformation is taking place across four of its stations: Yashio, Nagareyama-Otakanomori, Kashiwa-no-ha Campus, and Moriya. Display Lamp Co., Ltd., headquartered in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, has announced the digitalization and comprehensive renewal of their surrounding area maps known as "Navita."

The Navita maps serve as crucial public navigational guides strategically placed around train stations and public facilities nationwide. They are categorized into three main types: "Station Navita" primarily found at train stations, "City Navita" located within municipal offices, and "Public Navita" around police stations and community centers. Currently, these maps are installed in over 4,000 locations across Japan, with about 2,400 station displays installed at major railway stations, covering over 80% of the 994 most prominent stations that see more than 30,000 daily users.

The Tsukuba Express line, which connects Akihabara Station in Tokyo to Tsukuba Station in Ibaraki Prefecture via a 58.3-kilometer track, provides rapid transit services that cut travel time to approximately 45 minutes. Serving Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, and Ibaraki prefectures, this line has become a vital commuter and student route that has facilitated significant urban development along its path. The ridership and population density in the neighboring areas have steadily increased in recent years.

In response to the growing demand and to enhance user convenience at the four mentioned stations, Display Lamp has undertaken a stylish redesign of the Navita displays. The new design includes an innovative layout featuring digital signage at the bottom of the maps, which significantly improves visual accessibility and information delivery.

This digital transformation will not only streamline the dissemination of surrounding area information—including public facilities, landmarks, and emergency evacuation sites—but also foster a greater sense of belonging and ease among station users.

Going forward, Display Lamp is committed to leveraging advanced digital solutions to contribute to urban development initiatives, promote regional revitalization, and support community growth, ensuring that diverse users and visitors feel welcomed and informed. By continuously enhancing the integration of technology and public services, Display Lamp aims to create a more navigable and thriving environment for everyone.

As we celebrate two decades of service, the digital Navita maps stand as a testament to Tsukuba Express’s commitment to excellence in public transport and community connectivity, paving the way for even more innovations in the years to come.