#Japan #Tokyo #Mutsu #Bot Express #Yomitan

Unveiling AI Innovations in Local Government Operations

On September 18, 2026, Bot Express is set to host an insightful online seminar titled "AI Phone Handling for Local Government: Automating Inquiries and Reservations 24/7." This showcase will spotlight the advancements made by two municipalities, Yomitan Village in Okinawa and Mutsu City in Aomori, in utilizing AI technology to streamline their administrative operations.

Seminar Overview

Local governments frequently receive numerous phone inquiries daily related to various procedures, events, and services. Despite the ongoing digital transformation, many residents still prefer to communicate via phone. However, public servants face significant interruptions as they attend to incoming calls, gathering information for reservations and inputting it into systems.

To address this challenge, the AI phone answering service named "Amazing Operator" is being deployed. This service engages residents in a conversation, allowing the AI to answer inquiries and manage reservations 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

During the seminar, representatives from Okinawa’s Yomitan Village and Aomori’s Mutsu City will discuss their experiences in implementing these AI solutions, how they’ve adapted to meet the varied needs of residents, and the insights gleaned from their ongoing trials.

Yomitan Village: AI Handling Calls for High-Volume Inquiries

Yomitan Village has publicly launched its AI phone service ahead of the upcoming Okinawa gubernatorial and village council elections scheduled for September 13, 2026. Starting August 10, the AI has been fielding common questions regarding early voting schedules, polling locations, and voter ID requirements. The AI system operates on registered local information, providing answers 24/7.

This setup enables officials to adjust the content of AI responses based on real-time inquiries, ensuring residents receive accurate information continually. Moreover, if the AI cannot answer a specific question or requires further judgment, calls are rerouted to human staff.

The rapid deployment took only a week from concept to public launch, ensuring residents continued access to vital information while alleviating pressure on staff.

Mutsu City: AI-Managed Reservations for Senior Workshops

In Mutsu City, AI technology is employed to streamline reservations for smartphone seminars targeted at seniors. The project goes beyond merely assessing whether AI can handle reservations; it aims to determine if seniors, particularly those less familiar with technology, can navigate the booking process easily via AI interaction.

When a resident calls, the AI confirms available slots and gathers essential details like desired courses and dates. The captured data is automatically stored in the GovTech Express system, allowing officials to monitor reservations efficiently. Additionally, this solution accommodates changes or cancellations for existing bookings.

Leveraging a unified management interface, Mutsu can handle reservations coming from both LINE and phone, ensuring ease of access for residents across demographics while transitioning to a digital operational model.

Conclusion: Revolutionizing Government Services with AI

These two municipalities exemplify how local governments can significantly enhance their administrative processes by incorporating innovative AI solutions. This seminar is tailored for those looking to reduce telephone inquiries, streamline reservation systems for events or consultations, and make public services more accessible to residents of all ages.

The seminar titled "Bot Express Showcase #48" will kick off on September 18, 2026, at 2 PM, with registration open until the event begins. Participants can expect presentations from officials involved in these initiatives, covering the research undertaken in implementing these digital solutions along with a Q&A session to further discuss these advancements in local government services.

To register, potential participants can visit Bot Express's LINE account or their website for more details. This event promises to be an eye-opener for municipalities eager to evolve and meet the modern demands of their citizens creatively.

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Additional Information

• - Date & Time: September 18, 2026, 2 PM - 3 PM
• - Format: Online (details will be provided upon registration)
• - Target Audience: Local government employees

For inquiries or additional information on registering for the Bot Express Showcase, attendees can contact [email protected] or reach out via the official website.