#Japan #Shibuya #Shibuya Innovation Institute #Street Drinking #Startup Technology

Tackling Street Drinking in Shibuya: An Innovative Project

In a bold move aimed at addressing the persistent issue of street drinking in Shibuya, the Shibuya Innovation Institute (SII) has kicked off a collaborative project involving local government and private companies including Tōkyū Corporation and NTT East Japan. This initiative represents a significant step towards ensuring a safer and more pleasant community environment for the residents of Shibuya.

The Purpose of the Project

The primary goal of this project is to enhance public safety and comfort around the Shibuya Station area. By collecting data and implementing robust safety measures, the project aligns itself with the region's declaration of zero tolerance towards disruptive street drinking. Shibuya is recognized as a hub for Japan's startup ecosystem, and SII aims to set a standard for urban social issue resolutions that can be replicated in other areas.

Background of the Initiative

The decision to initiate this project stems from an alarming trend of public drinking in the Shibuya area, which has led to various disturbances, including littering and noise. In response, the local authorities have enforced a year-round prohibition on drinking in public spaces starting October 1, 2024. However, cases of street drinking have persisted, necessitating nightly patrols urging individuals to refrain from public drinking. Acknowledging the need for innovative solutions, the project incorporates startup technology to devise new strategies while collaborating with existing security teams to enhance operational efficiency.

Overview of the Project

The project's focus is on employing advanced technologies for real-time monitoring and efficient security. Key components include:

• - Behavior Recognition AI: Using AI technology to recognize and monitor individuals engaged in street drinking, which will help in gathering data on their behavior.
• - Installation of Surveillance Cameras: Security cameras will be set up on streetlights around Shibuya Station to detect the presence of individuals engaged in drinking activities.
• - Real-Time Information Sharing: Information captured by the AI will be shared in real-time with patrol teams, enabling prompt actions to reduce street drinking incidents and optimize security efforts.

Participating Organizations and Their Roles

The success of the project hinges on the collaboration of several key entities:

• - Tōkyū Corporation: Responsible for overseeing the overall project progress and coordination among stakeholders.
• - NTT East Japan: Providing ICT-related technologies and services crucial for project execution.
• - Azula Co., Ltd.: Tasked with the installation and management of surveillance cameras, along with data analysis via behavior recognition AI.
• - VIE Inc.: Exploring the use of neuro-music for supporting self-restraint activities among the public.
• - Shibuya City: Engaging in communication with relevant organizations, assisting with permits, and collaborating with the patrol teams.
• - SII: Facilitating explanations and coordination with various departments within Shibuya City government.

About the Shibuya Innovation Institute

The Shibuya Innovation Institute is a collaborative organization that aims to realize the vision outlined in the Shibuya City Basic Plan. By supporting startups and various projects, SII seeks to foster an international and diverse urban environment and enhance residents' well-being and city pride.

For more information, interested parties can visit the Shibuya Innovation Institute website.

Additional Information

The project will utilize Azula Co., Ltd.'s AI analysis services to effectively monitor individuals loitering in the area. Further details on the detection methodologies can be found on their website.

Contact Information

For inquiries related to this project, please reach out to the Shibuya Innovation Institute at: [email protected]