Following a Pilot Program in Toshima Ward, First-Ever Event on Remote Islands! Sofmap to Hold "Remote Smartphone Consultation Sessions" Based on Agreement with Amami City

Sofmap Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Shinsuke Nakaji; hereinafter Sofmap) will hold "Remote Smartphone Consultation Sessions" conducted by Sofmap's specialists in digital divide countermeasures, aimed at addressing the digital divide (information gap) and improving citizen services in Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture (City Hall: Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture; Mayor: Sohei Yasuda). In conjunction with this, reservations will be accepted from citizens starting Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

This project is being implemented as part of the agreement between Sofmap and Amami City concerning the regeneration and utilization of digital devices in Amami City and the application of digital technology to daily life.

Background and Objectives: Bringing Success from Toshima Ward to Amami City

While digital technology has made life more convenient, many, particularly seniors, express anxiety such as "I don't know how to use a smartphone."

Sofmap conducted a pilot program for "Remote Smartphone Consultation Sessions" in Toshima Ward, Tokyo, to address this issue, receiving highly positive feedback from participants. Building on this success, this initiative will directly connect Sofmap's base in Akihabara, Tokyo, with a venue in Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture, online. Through two approaches – a "Smartphone Workshop" held in Amami City in a lecture format, and "Remote Smartphone Consultation Sessions" where Sofmap's expert staff in Akihabara provide one-on-one support for individual questions – we will strongly support the digital lives of Amami City residents.

Event Overview and Schedule

Two types of events will be held sequentially according to the needs of the citizens.

1: In-Person "Smartphone Consultation Session & Smartphone Workshop"

Sofmap's expert staff will provide easy-to-understand lectures on smartphone basics in person.

Smartphone Consultation Session

Date & Time: Thursday, July 16, 2026, 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM

*30 minutes per person, 1 person per slot, total 5 people

Venue: Amami City Hall, 2nd Floor, Consultation Booth (25-8 Naze Kōchō, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture)

Smartphone Workshop

Date & Time: Thursday, July 16, 2026, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Friday, July 17, 2026, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM / 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

*12 people per session

Venue: Amami City Hall, 3rd Floor, Small Conference Room (25-8 Naze Kōchō, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture)

2: Akihabara x Amami "Remote Smartphone Consultation Session" (One-on-One Format)

Connecting the Amami venue and Akihabara online, expert staff will provide one-on-one support.

Date & Time: Tuesday, July 21, Wednesday, July 22, Thursday, July 23, Friday, July 24, Tuesday, July 28, Wednesday, July 29, Friday, July 31, 2026 (Total 7 days)

Venue: Amami City Hall, 2nd Floor, Consultation Booth (25-8 Naze Kōchō, Amami City, Kagoshima Prefecture)

*These consultation sessions are planned to continue beyond August. Further details regarding the schedule and the start date for reservations will be announced separately once they are finalized.

Features of "Remote Smartphone Consultation Sessions"

1: "One-on-One Support" Tailored to Your Questions

There is no fixed curriculum. Consultants will provide detailed one-on-one instruction based on what participants "can't ask now..." or what they want to do.

【Actual Consultation Examples Received So Far】

・How to use LINE (wanting to exchange messages and photos with family and grandchildren)

・How to install apps (don't know how to install useful or desired apps)

・How to use the camera, how to read QR codes, etc.

2: Reliable Support System Even Remotely

Using monitors and dedicated cameras installed at the Amami City venue, Sofmap's digital divide specialists in Akihabara will provide real-time answers while viewing the participant's hands and screen. Even those who are not comfortable with operations can participate with peace of mind.

About Applications

Reservation Start Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026 ~

Participation Fee: Free (First-come, first-served basis, closes when capacity is reached)

Target Audience: Smartphone beginners and seniors who are unsure about operations, residing in Amami City.

Application Phone Number: ・From mobile phones: 050-3163-9033 ・From landlines: 0077-78-9033

Reception Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Future Outlook: A Model Case for Digital Divide Measures on Remote Islands

Through this initiative, which is close to the residents of Amami City, we will establish a solid track record demonstrating that one-on-one support via remote systems is effective in resolving the information gap on remote islands. Going forward, we will widely disseminate this initiative as an advanced example and contribute to the promotion of digitalization in local communities by collaborating with other municipalities facing similar challenges.