Oshu City Introduces Generative AI Chatbot, Launching a New Initiative to Improve Resident Services.

In Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture (hereinafter referred to as Oshu City), a new service has been introduced on the Oshu City official website (https://www.city.oshu.iwate.jp/) where the Oshu City official mascot character "Oshyu Tarou" answers questions.

With the aim of enhancing the functionality of the Oshu City official website and improving the operational efficiency of staff, operation of a chatbot utilizing generative AI technology began on March 9, 2026.

With the increasing amount of information on municipal websites in recent years and the diversification of inquiry content, there is a growing need to establish an environment where residents can quickly access the information they require. Furthermore, reducing the burden on counter and phone support, and strengthening the rapid information provision system during disasters and emergencies are also important challenges.

Generative AI constructs easy-to-understand sentences and provides answers based on information from the Oshu City official website and pre-registered FAQs. It responds automatically 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, regardless of night or holidays, contributing to the reduction of counter service workload.

Furthermore, after use, satisfaction levels and opinions regarding the answers will be collected and utilized for continuous service improvement.

Features of the Generative AI Chatbot

1. Natural conversation by Generative AI
   Utilizing the latest large language models, it achieves natural and smooth Japanese conversation, enabling flexible question handling beyond FAQs.

2. Optimized for municipal information
   With its unique database structure, it refers to official information released by Oshu City, providing answers that prioritize accuracy and reliability. Information is automatically updated through weekly web crawls.

3. Multilingual support

   In addition to Japanese, it supports multiple languages such as English, Chinese, and Korean, making it a service that is easy for foreign residents and tourists to use.

Expected Effects

• Improvement in resident satisfaction

• Increased efficiency in inquiry handling operations

• Strengthening of information dissemination systems during disasters and emergencies

• Promotion of Digital Transformation (DX)

About the Introduced Service

Oshu City has introduced the generative AI chatbot service "easyBot" provided by EasyDialog LLC (Headquarters: Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Representative: Christoph Johannes Neumann).

...