#Japan #AI Technology #Iwata #TechTouch #Iwata City

Tech Touch and Iwata City Join Forces for AI-Enhanced Administration

In a significant move towards digital transformation in local governance, Tech Touch Inc., which specializes in AI-driven Digital Adoption Platforms (DAP), has entered into a partnership with Iwata City, Shizuoka Prefecture. The agreement, signed on February 12, 2026, aims to leverage AI technology to significantly enhance administrative decision-making, reduce human errors, and improve the quality of government operations.

Background of the Partnership

Iwata City is currently pushing forward its "Iwata dX Promotion Plan," which strives to create a digital smart city that is friendly to all residents. The city has focused on changing the way government services are delivered and improving staff workflows through various digital tools. Notably, the implementation of Tech Touch's DAP in accounting systems has reportedly saved the city an estimated 8,900 hours of work annually. Survey results indicate that over 74% of employees find the platform either very useful or quite helpful, demonstrating the positive impact of DAP on promoting digital transformation among staff.

Despite the successes, the complexity of local government tasks remains a challenge, as human errors such as misinterpretations and data entry mistakes can still occur. Hence, this new partnership combines the advantages of the existing DAP with AI capabilities to interpret rules and regulations accurately, effectively supporting administrative procedures and reducing errors during critical decision-making points.

Objectives of the Agreement

The partnership, formally titled "Agreement on Collaboration and Cooperation in AI Utilization for Administrative Affairs and Operations between Iwata City and Tech Touch Inc.," focuses primarily on developing AI support for accounting-related tasks, while also allowing for the exploration of supplementary areas as deemed necessary by both parties.

The agreement aims to address inherent risks in complex administrative environments through the use of AI technologies, enhancing decision-making where individual diligence is insufficient. By understanding the nuances of regulations and the context in which administrative tasks are performed, AI can considerably mitigate potential errors. Thus, the partnership envisions a future where administrative processes become more sophisticated, relying less on individual skills and experiences.

Future Goals

The expectation is that AI's role will not only aid municipal staff but also improve the transparency and accessibility of administrative services for residents. Initiatives will target creating a clearer, more intuitive interface for residents navigating administrative procedures.

According to Iwata Mayor Hiroaki Kusachi, the need for modernizing government operations has never been more pressing. He emphasizes that the objective of digital transformation is not just about improving efficiency, but fundamentally about enhancing service quality for citizens. He believes that through DAP and AI technology, Iwata City will reach unprecedented levels of usability in its services.

Statements from Stakeholders

Tech Touch CEO Nakata Imuta expressed pride in collaborating with Iwata City. He highlighted that their AI systems could potentially solve many challenges faced by municipalities without requiring system overhauls. This partnership aspires to establish new standards for municipal administration.

About Tech Touch and Its DAP

Tech Touch Inc. has carved out a niche as the leading provider of DAP in Japan. Their flagship products include the "Tech Touch" platform and the "Techtouch AI Hub," which facilitates the seamless integration of AI into everyday business operations. Their initiatives have been recognized with several awards, including the Good Design Award and recognition as a J-Startup by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. This comprehensive suite of solutions aims to accelerate digital transformation across various sectors by combining DAP with AI technologies, making significant productivity gains for clients.

As local governments continue to strive for efficiency and improved citizen engagement, collaborations like the one between Tech Touch and Iwata City could pave the way for a more sustainable and technologically advanced approach to public administration.