#Japan #Chofu #Vacan #unerry #Chofu Fireworks

Visualizing Crowds: Enhancing the 40th Chofu Fireworks Event

In a pioneering collaboration, VACAN, a Tokyo-based company, and unerry have introduced a cutting-edge solution to enhance the viewing experience at the 40th Chofu Fireworks. By leveraging AI technology, this initiative aims to provide real-time crowd information from 32 local dining establishments, ensuring a smoother experience for attendees.

Background of the Initiative

This project is part of Tokyo's Smart Service implementation project, known as "Be Smart Tokyo." VACAN's mission aligns perfectly with this initiative: to connect people and spaces through technology in a seamless and user-friendly manner. With large-scale events often leading to long queues and crowded restaurants, gathering real-time crowd data can mitigate these challenges, thus enhancing the overall attendee experience at the fireworks show.

The collaboration will focus on providing useful insights on when and where attendees might face long waiting times at restaurants, allowing them to plan their dining experience better.

Overview of the Initiative

During the Chofu Fireworks, the aforementioned 32 restaurants will utilize the real-time crowd detection feature enabled by VACAN. The information will be disseminated through the VACAN Maps platform, allowing visitors to check the current crowd levels of nearby establishments.

Utilizing VACAN Maps

The VACAN Maps feature allows users to access a detailed map showing the occupancy status of various establishments. It classifies crowd levels into five categories: "Available," "Moderately Crowded," "Crowded," "Full," and "Wait time exceeding X minutes (ranging from 5-180 minutes)." By simply accessing it through their smartphones, visitors can quickly assess the crowd levels and choose when to visit each restaurant accordingly.

This innovative system not only informs attendees about the crowd conditions ahead of time but also facilitates effective diner timing and directs them toward less crowded venues, ultimately preventing unnecessary waiting periods.

In addition to this, unerry will use its crowd data to promote awareness of VACAN Maps through targeted web and social media advertisements leading up to the event. On the day of the fireworks, they will also utilize signage services to promote the effective use of the solution. After the event, analysis of crowd data will validate the impacts of VACAN Maps in terms of dispersing crowds and encouraging visits to local restaurants.

Mechanism of Crowd Information Visualization

The VACAN real-time crowd information platform allows for the mobile display of crowd statuses in establishments, showcasing the latest occupancy data at the click of a button. With functionality customized to various needs, VACAN Maps can visualize crowd conditions for special events like fireworks, polling stations, or tourist areas without any prior installation required.

This makes it an expedient solution, perfect for the Chofu Fireworks initiative. Staff members are equipped with an intuitive interface to quickly provide updates on crowd status from a dedicated webpage, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information is always available to visitors.


About “Be Smart Tokyo”

Supported by Tokyo's Digital Services Bureau, the “Be Smart Tokyo” initiative collaborates startups with local areas to implement advanced technologies aimed at enhancing the quality of life for Tokyo residents.

For further information on the project, visit: Be Smart Tokyo

About VACAN

Company: VACAN Inc.
CEO: Tsuyoshi Kawano
Location: 2-8-4 Shinkawa, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
Established: June 2016
Website: VACAN Corporate

Recognized as a J-Startup 2019 by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, VACAN's mission of connecting people to spaces through technology serves as a backbone for its services. Beyond crowd and foot traffic management, VACAN provides management solutions to enhance urban experiences and runs the in-facility media platform,