#Japan #AI Sakura #Tifana #Hitachi City

AI Sakura Revolutionizes Citizen Support in Hitachi City

In a groundbreaking move, Tifana, Inc., based in Tokyo, has implemented its AI-powered agent, AI Sakura, in Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Scheduled for full operation starting late June 2026, this innovative system is designed to assist with an impressive 25,000 phone inquiries that the National Health Insurance Division handles each year. By automating routine queries, AI Sakura aims to ease the burden on city employees, particularly during peak periods when citizen inquiries surge.

The Challenge: Managing a Flood of Inquiries

One of the most intense sources of inquiries in any municipality revolves around medical, insurance, and pension concerns, and Hitachi’s National Health Insurance Division is no exception. During peak months such as June and July, citizens frequently seek clarification on qualifications and payment notices—two scenarios that significantly increase call volumes. This has created a demanding environment for city staff who strive to respond promptly while managing their workload. By introducing AI Sakura to handle basic inquiries such as enrollment, termination, and payment location checks, the city aims to optimize employee efficiency. This initiative goes beyond mere efficiency improvements; it represents a strategic step toward sustainable public administration via digital transformation (DX).

The Role of AI Sakura

24/7 Availability

AI Sakura provides around-the-clock support for citizens, allowing them to access vital information at any time, free from the constraints of traditional business hours. With capabilities to answer calls during nights and weekends, the AI is set to enhance citizen satisfaction by ensuring timely responses outside usual office hours.

A Hybrid AI-Human Approach

For inquiries necessitating personalized attention or complex decision-making, AI Sakura swiftly forwards calls to designated staff members. Acting as a sorting mechanism, the AI allows employees to concentrate on specialized tasks rather than being bogged down by routine inquiries.

Building an AI That Grows with the Community

One of the distinct characteristics of this project is the commitment to developing AI Sakura alongside its end-users. By integrating real-life language data from frontline staff into the AI's training, Tifana aims to create a system that responds dynamically to citizens' needs. The goal isn’t just to establish a basic FAQ system; rather, it is to continually refine response accuracy based on real-world inquiry trends, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to AI development that embodies the concept of a growing AI alongside its operators.

What is AI Sakura?

AI Sakura is an AI agent that requires no client-side tuning or setup. With the motto, “Your neighbor, AI Sakura. Together in work and happiness,” the AI supports the digital transformation of various organizations by facilitating communication.

Reasons for Choosing AI Sakura

• - Integrates cutting-edge AI technologies similar to ChatGPT and image generation tools.
• - Holds numerous patents related to AI and boasts certifications in quality assurance and cloud security.
• - Offers rapid customization tailored to clients’ specific needs.
• - Fully automates operation and maintenance tasks.

Numerous organizations aiming for digital transformation have adopted AI Sakura across various sectors, including large corporations, municipalities, and public transportation systems, achieving engaging interactions through AI-driven customer service.

About Tifana, Inc.

Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Meguro, Tokyo, Tifana, Inc. is committed to spreading smiles through the power of AI. The company has built its reputation on web creation, extending its expertise to AI development since launching AI Sakura in October 2016. Today, it plays a crucial role in implementing digital transformation for diverse organizations and local governments across Japan. In March 2024, Tifana will also join the HEROZ Group, further enhancing its capabilities in AI solutions.