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Ibaraki Shimbun's New AI Initiative to Boost Local Productivity

Ibaraki Shimbun, a prominent regional newspaper, has announced an exciting new initiative designed to enhance productivity among businesses, organizations, and local communities in Ibaraki Prefecture. This initiative is in response to challenges such as labor shortages and rising costs that many of these entities face today. Set to launch in 2026, marking the newspaper's 135th anniversary, the program will utilize 15 years' worth of archived article data, providing a reliable and rich resource for users.

To ensure the effectiveness of this service, Ibaraki Shimbun has partnered with Niigata Nippo AI Research Institute, a subsidiary of Niigata Nippo, to formalize this collaboration through the "Regional Co-Creation AI Partnership Agreement." As commented by the President of Ibaraki Shimbun, Masaru Watanabe, the AI service is aimed at contributing to the region's future, addressing needs while enhancing the lives and work of local residents and businesses.

Features of the Ibaraki Shimbun AI

1. High Reliability and Local Focus
One of the significant challenges for AI systems, particularly those originating in the United States, is the lack of localized information due to biased training data. While common information is adequately provided, specific data related to Ibaraki is often missing. The Ibaraki Shimbun AI aims to address this gap by harnessing its archives from the past fifteen years, particularly those published since the Great East Japan Earthquake. This resource allows for accurate and deep insights tailored to regional needs.

2. Safety and Security
While generative AI technology has rapidly evolved, concerns over user privacy remain, especially with free versions that may inadvertently expose personal information. The Ibaraki Shimbun AI service will employ the corporate version of exaBase AI, developed by Exawizards, which lays down strict security measures to prevent input data from being reused or leaked, ensuring a safe user experience.

3. Comprehensive Support
This AI can assist users in various tasks, such as summarizing meeting notes, transcribing audio, planning, and email writing. However, there is a recognized apprehension among some businesses and municipalities regarding its implementation. The Ibaraki Shimbun AI service will offer local support from its team, guiding users through initial setup and answering any questions, ultimately fostering a continuous support system.

The pricing model will feature multiple options for different types of users, including businesses and local governmental organizations. The formal service is scheduled to roll out in 2026, with pre-consultations available at the Digital Transformation Promotion Office for interested parties.

Important Note: While the service aims for high accuracy, the inherent nature of generative AI means that users must verify the information provided in line with legal obligations and responsibilities.

Contact Information

For inquiries, please reach out to Takahashi at Ibaraki Shimbun’s Digital Transformation Promotion Office at 029-239-3028 (Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM).

About Ibaraki Shimbun

Founded in 1891, Ibaraki Shimbun serves as the only prefectural newspaper in Ibaraki, focusing on fair and neutral reporting, as well as cultural and sports initiatives aimed at contributing to the local community. The newspaper will celebrate its 135th anniversary in 2026. Learn more about Ibaraki Shimbun

About Niigata Nippo AI Research Institute

As a 100% subsidiary of Niigata Nippo, this institute focuses on researching and implementing AI technology within the region, particularly aimed at developing AI tailored to regional information and addressing local challenges. More about Niigata Nippo AI Research Institute