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Fujita Kanko and Ricoh Team Up for AI-Powered Cleaning Pilot

Fujita Kanko Inc., a prominent player in Japan's tourism sector, has partnered with Ricoh Co., Ltd. to begin an innovative pilot program aimed at enhancing the quality of hotel room cleaning through artificial intelligence solutions. Known for its rich history in hospitality, Fujita Kanko has been a pioneering force since opening its first establishment in 1948. Now, with the growing need for high-quality room cleaning standards spurred by the surge in inbound tourism, the collaboration seeks to introduce a sophisticated detection system that utilizes AI technology.

Background and Purpose

The increase in foreign travelers visiting Japan has significantly raised accommodation demands. However, this surge has highlighted challenges such as the aging workforce and inconsistencies in cleaning quality, which could potentially tarnish the guest experience. To tackle these issues, Fujita Kanko, which operates 46 facilities with a total of 11,693 rooms as of November 2025, and Ricoh, known for its advanced optical technology and AI capabilities, have embarked on this collaborative project. The aim is to develop a system that can automatically detect cleaning conditions and objectively visualize quality through data.

Overview of the Pilot Program

Duration

The pilot is scheduled to run from December 2025 to March 2026.

Implementation Locations

The trial will take place in three hotels managed by Fujita Kanko Group, including the Hotel Gracery Ginza, where cleaning services will be evaluated.

Activities Involved

• - Data Collection: Gathering data within the hotel rooms to assess the current state of cleanliness.
• - AI Evaluation: Utilizing the collected data to evaluate the effectiveness of the AI system in detecting cleaning conditions.
• - Feasibility Study: Testing the system's potential to improve cleaning quality and streamline operations.

Future Prospects

The anticipation is that this AI-driven system will revolutionize the traditional methods of double-checking cleaning tasks, which are typically conducted by human staff. By implementing AI, the collaboration aims to standardize and elevate cleaning quality, ensuring that guests have a consistently excellent experience. Furthermore, the visibility of individual cleaning staff's performance data can aid in optimizing training processes and improving operational workflows.

Ricoh and Fujita Kanko are dedicated to refining the product through the insights gained from this pilot, contributing to the broader hospitality industry's challenges and advancing towards a sustainable future for accommodation services.

About the Ricoh Group

The Ricoh Group plays a critical role globally, supporting various businesses' digital transformations across approximately 200 countries and regions. With a reported consolidated revenue of ¥2.5278 trillion for the fiscal year ending March 2025, Ricoh focuses on providing digital services, printing, and imaging solutions to empower clients worldwide. They have been committed to supporting the workplace transformation and innovation for over 85 years, aiding a sustainable society through enhancing human creativity. For more details, visit their official site at Ricoh.

About Fujita Kanko Inc.

Established as a cornerstone of Japan's tourism industry, Fujita Kanko Inc. opened its first property, Hakone Kowakien, in 1948 and continues to evolve today, celebrating its 70th anniversary in November 2025. The company emphasizes maximizing its assets, such as human resources and cultural properties, to provide unparalleled guest experiences through unique content and service. Their current focus is on value creation as part of their medium-term management plan for 2028, aiming for a rich and sustainable society. Learn more about their initiatives at Fujita Kanko. Catch their brand movie here.