#Japan #AI Technology #Tokyo #Local Government #NAVER CareCall

NAVER Cloud's AI Innovations for Local Governments

NAVER Cloud, led by CEO Kim Yoo-won, recently participated in the "Local Government and Public Week 2026" held from May 13 to 15 at Tokyo Big Sight. At this major event, the company unveiled its AI-based safety confirmation and interactive service, "NAVER CareCall." This showcase attracted numerous local government representatives, providing a unique opportunity to witness the potential of AI in promoting digital transformation (DX) and supporting the well-being of the elderly in Japan.

The Need for AI in Local Governance

As Japan grapples with an acute shortage of caregiving professionals, ensuring the safety and well-being of the elderly has become a pressing concern. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare projects that by 2026, approximately 2.4 million caregivers will be needed. Traditional methods of monitoring, such as in-person visits and phone calls, are increasingly proving inadequate. In response to these societal challenges, NAVER Cloud proposes automating and streamlining safety checks using its state-of-the-art AI technology.

A Transformational Experience

During the event, many attendees from local governments experienced the "NAVER CareCall" firsthand. Within the experience area of NAVER Cloud's booth, visitors engaged in demonstrations where they received calls from the service. The seamless interaction in Japanese astonished many. Users positively reviewed the reliability of the solution, especially considering its successful implementation in several municipalities across Japan.

Visitor Insights

One official from a welfare department in the Kanto region remarked, "The fact that this service has a proven track record within actual municipalities encourages us to consider its implementation seriously." They emphasized the importance of reliability in this sector, stating, "The success in Izumo City has shown its credibility on the ground. The conversation felt natural, which is particularly crucial for maintaining monitoring systems with limited personnel resources."

Another visitor mentioned the benefits for families living apart from elderly relatives. They noted, "When elderly family members spend more time alone, even if they seem fine, we worry if they are okay. This kind of natural engagement provides peace of mind for both them and their families. I was pleasantly surprised by how conversational the interaction felt, which alleviates some of the resistance we might have to technology in this area."

Highlighting Successful Integration

In collaboration with Izumo City, a seminar titled "Digital Transformation (DX) in Elderly Welfare" was held during the event. Here, specific operational successes of the "NAVER CareCall" system were shared. Since its official launch last year, the service has replaced repetitive tasks for welfare workers, effectively filling the gaps left by chronic staffing shortages. This proven success story provides a compelling case for the adoption of AI infrastructure among municipalities facing similar challenges in maintaining high-quality welfare services amidst limited resources.

Future Aspirations with AI

Kim Yoo-won, CEO of NAVER Cloud, commented on the company's commitment to becoming a supportive partner in addressing Japan's municipal challenges. The expo allowed for individual consultations with many interested local governments, who appreciated "NAVER CareCall" for its exemplary Japanese language capabilities and the successes achieved in local settings. This interaction not only deepened the understanding of the pressing issues faced by Japanese municipalities but also reinforced NAVER Cloud’s role in developing technologies that aid in public digital transformation and the establishment of sustainable communities.

In conclusion, NAVER Cloud continues to position itself as more than just a technology provider. By actively addressing social issues through AI, the company aims to promote a more supportive and sustainable environment for local governments and their constituents in Japan.