#Japan #Digital Adoption #Hyogo #TechTouch #Hyogo Prefecture

Introduction

Hyogo Prefecture has made a significant leap toward digital transformation by integrating the AI-powered digital adoption platform, TechTouch, into its online administrative application system. With a projected population of approximately 5.3 million as of June 2025, the prefecture aims to enhance its residents' experience in navigating administrative procedures through more user-friendly online systems.

Background of Implementation

In response to challenges faced during the online application process, Hyogo Prefecture initiated the "Promotion Plan for Online Administration" in 2021. This plan further evolved into the "Smart Hyogo Strategy", a progressive step aimed at maximizing online application usage. However, various complexities in application forms have seen many applicants abandon the process, highlighting the necessity for supportive technologies to bridge this gap. The implementation of TechTouch began with the essential financial aid application for advanced medical treatment in fertility care, which had previously experienced significant error rates due to complicated submission processes. Given that over half of the 3,300 annual applications faced inaccuracies, integrating TechTouch was deemed essential for improving service efficiency. Plans are in place to expand this digital application integration to other procedures in the near future.

Additionally, with a temporary dispersal of office locations on the horizon, there’s unprecedented urgency to create an inclusive environment where all residents can access electronic applications, independent of their physical locations or digital literacy levels. TechTouch contributes to this initiative by addressing these accessibility challenges.

Decision Factors for Adoption

The decision to adopt TechTouch hinged on positive outcomes from preliminary trials and a robust operational framework for sustainability. Feedback from municipal employee surveys indicated high levels of satisfaction regarding the straightforward navigation provided by TechTouch. The reduction in completion time and workload for administrative staff was also established, showcasing anticipated improvements in accuracy and user engagement across the public service spectrum. Furthermore, TechTouch's no-code interface allows any user to create or modify guides with ease, setting the stage for a decentralized, user-driven approach to digital transformation within the prefecture.

Insights from Hyogo Prefectural Officials

Kazuki Ohno, from the Digital Reform Division of Hyogo Prefecture, emphasized the importance of fostering online administrative convenience beyond merely promoting online services. Barriers such as lack of awareness, inadequate access to electronic devices, and complexity in procedures often deter residents from using online applications. In adopting TechTouch, the prefecture has taken significant steps to alleviate these issues by directing citizens to proper application pages through intuitive guidance, thus decreasing confusion often associated with administrative redundancies.

Motonori Tano from the Health Promotion Division echoed similar sentiments, noting the introduction of financial assistance for fertility treatment, which saw numerous application errors, particularly image attachment failures and input mistakes. The county now employs TechTouch to streamline application processes through features like real-time guidance, automatic data entry, and input restrictions. With these measures, the discrepancies have been drastically reduced. While last year's submissions resulted in 1,500 errors out of 3,320 applications, this current year has shown significant improvements, with no reported errors relating to data input and a reduction in image attachment issues.

About TechTouch

TechTouch is dedicated to creating a world where every user can proficiently navigate systems. Established in 2018, the company has quickly ascended to a leading position in the Digital Adoption Platform (DAP) market. With over 8 million users and a commitment to enhancing IT and AI utilization among public bodies, TechTouch provides seamless integration into existing applications, fostering a simpler experience for both residents and civil servants.

Their innovative solutions have garnered the trust of numerous local governments and large organizations, solidifying their role as a facilitator of digital transformation in public services.

Contact Information:
For further inquiries regarding service implementation, contact the TechTouch sales team at Loaner Sales.
For media inquiries, please reach TechTouch PR at [email protected].