#Japan #Tokyo #Kinki Ferry #Vision Service #Travel Etiquette

Kinki Ferry and Vision Service Collaboration

On May 19, 2025, Kinki Ferry Co., Ltd. and Vision Service, based in Minato, Tokyo, announced a partnership aimed at enhancing the travel experience for foreign visitors to Japan through etiquette education. This collaboration seeks to create a comfortable travel environment by producing and disseminating content focused on ferry etiquette, transforming ferry journeys into learning opportunities for tourists.

Background of the Partnership

The growing number of international travelers visiting Japan highlights the need for a better understanding of local customs and cultural practices. To address this, the two companies aim to provide foreign visitors with an understanding of etiquette in public spaces unique to Japan. With an increasing emphasis on cultural coexistence, both Kinki Ferry and Vision Service recognize the potential of ferry services as a platform for cultural exchange. By combining Kinki Ferry's transportation network connecting Osaka, Kobe, and Kitakyushu with Vision Service's multilingual content expertise, they hope to create new value in tourism experiences.

Details of the Collaboration

Kinki Ferry operates a regular ferry route between Osaka, Kobe, and Kitakyushu, focusing on providing a comfortable travel experience and access to regional tourism. Through this partnership, they will jointly develop multilingual content regarding ferry etiquette for international travelers. The planned initiatives include creating guides and visual materials addressing topics such as proper use of public spaces on board, bathing etiquette in the observation onsen (hot spring), and restroom usage. These educational resources will be promoted through Vision Service’s web platforms and AI chatbots, aimed at enhancing awareness among inbound travelers. In the future, this content is expected to be utilized across Kinki Ferry's customer touchpoints.

Cultural Exchange and AI Engagement

The observation open-air bath on the ferries will serve as a significant relaxation spot for passengers. AI will help convey not just the rules but also the meanings behind them, fostering dialogue about culture. For instance, when travelers inquire, "Is it true that you must bathe naked?" or "Are tattoos prohibited?" the AI chatbot will provide gentle answers to common concerns, shedding light on cultural nuances.

An example of such a response might be:

"In Japan, many public baths and hot springs (onsen) have restrictions on tattoos. This is not due to discrimination but because tattoos are traditionally associated with certain cultural perceptions in Japan. It's advisable to check with the specific facility beforehand to see if they allow tattooed guests. Some places may offer private baths or cover-up options."

This dialogue strategically caters to both visitors and local communities, demonstrating an understanding of cultural backgrounds. The initiative aims not only to provide comfort to tourists but also to foster mutual understanding and coexistence within the community.

Expected Outcomes and Benefits

The partnership is anticipated to enhance both companies' abilities to offer culturally enriching ferry travel experiences to foreign tourists. For Vision Service, it represents a valuable opportunity to develop practical educational content in collaboration with local transport operators. Conversely, Kinki Ferry expects to strengthen its capability to address the needs of inbound visitors and improve its corporate image. By establishing a foundation for etiquette education among tourists, the initiative could also extend benefits to other forms of transport and hospitality sectors, including trains, buses, and lodging providers.

Future Developments

Looking ahead, the first multilingual etiquette guide is set to be released via the AI chatbot in the summer of 2025, targeting incoming tourists. Moreover, there are plans to extend this model of cultural coexistence education to other regional transport providers and tourist destinations. The partnership aims to achieve 'cultural sustainability' stemming from ferry travel, continuing to expand the scope of collaboration and diversify content.

Company Overview

Vision Service Co., Ltd.

• - Location: 3rd Floor, Tokyo Tea Industry Association Building, 2-8-5 Higashi-Shinbashi, Minato, Tokyo 105-0021
• - CEO: Hideo Yashiro
• - Established: July 1967
• - Business Focus: Operation services for advertising and broadcasting industries, planning and disseminating tourism information for international visitors, AI chatbot development and operations, tourism digital transformation support.
• - Corporate Website: Vision Service
• - Travel Information Site for International Visitors: Vision