Gifu Bungeisha Co., Ltd. Signs Sales Partnership Agreement for Aisin's Communication Support System 'YYSystem'

Gifu Bungeisha Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture; Representative Director: Ken Iio; hereinafter referred to as 'the Company') has concluded a sales partnership agreement with Aisin Corporation (Headquarters: Kariya City, Aichi Prefecture; Representative Director and President: Moritaka Yoshida; hereinafter referred to as 'Aisin') for the communication support system 'YYSystem' developed and provided by Aisin. The Company will begin full-scale sales and implementation support services for the system, primarily in Gifu Prefecture and the Chubu region.

This system, developed by Aisin, is based on a proprietary algorithm that visualizes speech and environmental sounds in real time. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) to display conversation transcriptions and multilingual translations (supporting 31 languages) on smartphones or displays. The service was developed based on the feedback of approximately 300 employees with hearing impairments working at Aisin. It is now used not only for supporting people with hearing impairments but also for interacting with foreign nationals and elderly people, taking meeting minutes, and in a wide range of other scenarios. The app has been downloaded over 3 million times cumulatively, has been introduced by more than 250 corporations and local governments nationwide, and has received high praise both domestically and internationally, including the Good Design Gold Award (2023) and the Golden Pin Design Award Best Design Award (2024).

(Image of use at counters)

With the enforcement of the revised Act for Eliminating Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities in April 2024, private businesses are now required to provide reasonable accommodation. This has made it necessary for local governments and companies to respond more carefully and reliably to people with hearing impairments and foreign nationals at counters and customer service points. Additionally, the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan has reached record highs, and the aging of the domestic population is progressing. The need for communication support that transcends 'language barriers' and 'hearing barriers' is rapidly increasing in all areas of local communities.

Until now, the Company has provided solutions for conveying information accurately and sincerely, with printing as its core business. Under its management philosophy of 'Realizing a Heartfelt Communication Society,' it has long been engaged in information transmission support that transcends language and disability barriers. The decision to conclude this agreement was based on the deep alignment between the Company's vision and the value provided by this system.

Going forward, the Company will propose the introduction of this system to a wide range of customers, including local governments, medical institutions, educational institutions, hospitality and tourism businesses, and manufacturing industries. By linking with its printing and digital marketing support businesses, the Company will provide one-stop support for improving the communication environment of client companies, and strive to realize a 'communication society where hearts connect' in the region.

*The number of downloads, number of introducing companies and local governments, number of supported languages, awards, etc. described in this release are as of the date of this press release.

For more details on the service!

Navigate to our original brochure for YYSystem.

What is YYSystem?

YYSystem is an application series that provides 'communication support' using a proprietary algorithm that visualizes voices and sounds, mainly for people with hearing impairments. Leveraging its features of 'being able to talk anytime, anywhere, with anyone' and 'visualizing everyday environmental sounds,' it aims to create a society where people with hearing impairments are not left out of conversations and can live with peace of mind.

■ Reference Information

YYSystem official website: https://yysystem.com/

As the first printing company in the prefecture to be certified as a 'DX Certified Business Operator'

In December 2023, the Company became the first printing company in Gifu Prefecture to be certified by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as a 'DX Certified Business Operator.' Based on the know-how of printing and digital content production cultivated over more than 70 years since its founding, it promotes DX centered on data utilization.

YYSystem is a core service that takes on 'Communication DX,' leaving no one behind, provided under the Company's DX promotion framework. The Company will continue to contribute to the creation of a heartfelt communication society as a 'regional information and DX partner' consistently supporting the problem-solving of local companies.

About Gifu Bungeisha Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1952, Gifu Bungeisha is an 'information and culture creation company.' While centering on printing, it develops businesses in DX, BPO, culture creation, and business products. By fusing the 'power to convey and preserve' of paper media with digital technology, it solves client marketing and operational efficiency challenges. As a 'regional information and DX partner,' it creates communication that connects hearts and contributes to the sustainable growth of clients and the region.