Participatory Digital Signage 'FLOWNAVI' Launched at Tokyu Stay Mercure Hiroshima
Key facts
- Participatory Digital Signage 'FLOWNAVI' Launched at Tokyu Stay Mercure Hiroshima
- Insect Micro Agency has introduced its participatory digital signage system, 'FLOWNAVI', at the lobby of Tokyu Stay Mercure Hiroshima, which opened on May 18, 2026. This system allows guests and staff to share photos and uses hand-drawn maps by a local illustrator to promote regional information.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: May 22, 2026
Direct answer
Insect Micro Agency has introduced its participatory digital signage system, 'FLOWNAVI', at the lobby of Tokyu Stay Mercure Hiroshima, which opened on May 18, 2026. This system allows guests and staff to share photos and uses hand-drawn maps by a local illustrator to promote regional information.
- Citation
- Participatory Digital Signage 'FLOWNAVI' Launched at Tokyu Stay Mercure Hiroshima (May 22, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- May 22, 2026
Insect Micro Agency has introduced its participatory digital signage system, 'FLOWNAVI', at the lobby of Tokyu Stay Mercure Hiroshima, which opened on May 18, 2026. This system allows guests and staff to share photos and uses hand-drawn maps by a local illustrator to promote regional information.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 22, 2026 at 18:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 22, 2026 at 09:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 22, 2026 at 09:39 (7 min after Collected)
This is a participatory digital signage system where both guests and staff can post and share information. Based on hand-drawn maps by Hiroshima-based illustrator Toru Funamoto, it broadcasts local information unique to Hiroshima.
■ Background of Implementation
Driven by Tokyu Stay Mercure Hiroshima's vision of creating a map that sparks conversations between staff and guests, this implementation aims to foster experiences where content grows alongside the hotel, rather than just delivering one-way tourism information.
■ Three Key Features of FLOWNAVI
① 'Signage Created by Everyone': Guests and staff can post content.
The home screen features the slogan 'SHARE YOUR MOMENTS,' showcasing photos of Hiroshima posted by guests and staff. By scanning a QR code with their smartphones, users can post photos and comments about spots they have visited.
② Local Gossip and Travel Suggestions
'DISCOVER HIROSHIMA' introduces local 'gossip'—anecdotes and trivia rooted in Hiroshima's streets and culture—accompanied by charming illustrations. 'BEYOND Hiroshima' features areas just a bit further out, such as Kure and Onomichi, offering inspiration for travelers' next destinations.
③ Hand-drawn Maps by Local Illustrator Toru Funamoto
Two types of maps, a 'Neighborhood Map' for the area around the hotel and a 'Wide-Area Map' for the entire Hiroshima region, were created by local illustrator Toru Funamoto (Instagram: @funachi2). The warm, hand-drawn maps can be explored by zooming in on specific areas via touch operation.
■ Comment from the Hotel Manager
'Hiroshima has many local charms not found in guidebooks. Through FLOWNAVI, we can now share the raw information our staff usually provides to guests directly through signage. We look forward to seeing the hotel's unique content grow as our guests add their own travel photos.' —Shuji Tamaki, Manager, Tokyu Stay Mercure Hiroshima
■ Deployment History
With the introduction at Tokyu Stay Mercure Hiroshima, FLOWNAVI has expanded to 12 facilities nationwide (as of May 2026).
FAQ
What is FLOWNAVI?
It is a touch-operated digital signage service provided for hotels and commercial facilities. Features include multilingual dissemination of illustrated maps and local information, as well as a photo and comment posting function that syncs with smartphones.
What features does the FLOWNAVI installed at Tokyu Stay Mercure Hiroshima have?
It includes a touch-operated area exploration function using hand-drawn maps, 'DISCOVER HIROSHIMA' which introduces local trivia, 'BEYOND Hiroshima' which spotlights nearby areas, and a feature that allows guests to post photos from their smartphones.
What is the installation track record of FLOWNAVI?
As of May 2026, it has been deployed in 12 facilities nationwide, including Tokyu Stay Mercure Hiroshima.
Which company develops and provides FLOWNAVI?
It is provided by Insect Micro Agency, Inc.
Who is responsible for the map design?
The map design is created by Funamoto Tooru, an illustrator based in Hiroshima.