AI-Powered Telephone Answering System Introduced in Nasu Town, Tochigi Prefecture
Electric Kogyo Co., Ltd. and Tochigi Shinko Co., Ltd. have partnered to introduce an AI-powered telephone answering service in Nasu Town, Tochigi Prefecture, starting operation in March 2026. This system aims to improve convenience for residents and enhance operational efficiency for the local government by handling common inquiries 24/7.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 1, 2026 at 19:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 10:15
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 21, 2026 at 11:09 (480h 54m after Collected)
Electric Kogyo Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Koto-ku, Tokyo; President and Representative Director: Tadatoshi Kondo; hereinafter "the Company"), in collaboration with Tochigi Shinko Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Tochigi City, Tochigi Prefecture; President and Representative Director: Munehiro Kaneko), has introduced an "AI-powered telephone answering system" in Nasu Town, Tochigi Prefecture, which began operation in March 2026.
Nasu Town is promoting the "Nasu Town Digital Front Yard Reform Project" with the aim of improving convenience for residents and visitors, leveraging the region's strengths in tourism and migration. This project is advancing the introduction of electronic applications, "no-need-to-write" counters, AI-powered telephone answering, and cashless payment options to reduce the time and travel burden associated with procedures primarily based on paper applications and cash payments.
Through the provision of the "AI-powered Telephone Answering Service" as part of this project, the Company has built a system where AI initially handles common inquiries from residents and, if necessary, transfers them to the relevant department. This 24/7 initial response supports improved convenience at telephone service counters and enhanced operational efficiency.
## Background of Introduction
In Nasu Town, challenges have been identified, including limited reception hours dependent on opening hours, and the significant burden of visiting town offices due to the town's large area. Furthermore, with 30.2% of residents working in other municipalities, a certain number of residents are expected to find it difficult to visit during reception hours.
To address these issues, the development of AI-powered telephone answering is being promoted as a "digital information desk" where necessary information can be confirmed with a single phone call.
## Overview of "AI-powered Telephone Answering"
"AI-powered Telephone Answering" supports the efficiency of telephone answering operations and improves resident services by having AI initially respond to phone inquiries from residents and, if necessary, transfer them to staff. Key features are as follows:
- 24/7 Support: Initial response to common inquiries such as how to obtain a resident certificate, taxes, how to dispose of garbage, and opening hours, anytime.
- Answers with the Latest Information: Reflects institutional changes and provides answers based on the latest information.
- Automatic Transfer during Opening Hours: Even for content that AI cannot complete, calls are automatically transferred to the appropriate department based on the conversation.
## Future Developments
The Company will continue to support the DX of local government counter operations, contributing to improved resident services and increased efficiency for staff. Furthermore, through the expansion of administrative DX solutions, including "AI-powered telephone answering," the Company will contribute to solving regional issues and supporting sustainable local government management.
## Introduction and Roles of Companies Involved in This Project
- Electric Kogyo Co., Ltd.: Established in 1950 as the second company of a former national policy company. Born as a company that develops telecommunications infrastructure, it has since expanded its business into high-frequency fields using induction heating technology. For over 75 years since its establishment, it has been involved in various businesses utilizing radio waves.
- Role in this project: Responsible for the design, development, implementation, and technical support of the AI-powered telephone answering system.
- Head Office Location: Toyosu Urban Point, 5-13, Toyosu 5-chome, Koto-ku, Tokyo
- URL: https://denkikogyo.co.jp/
- Tochigi Shinko Co., Ltd.: Established in February 1977, it is a system development company headquartered in Tochigi City, Tochigi Prefecture. It provides comprehensive support from commissioned development to package implementation, infrastructure construction, operation, and maintenance, working to solve customer challenges.
- Role in this project: Responsible for requirements definition with Nasu Town and promotion of introduction as the overall coordinator for this project.
- Head Office Location: 2628-7 Omiyacho, Tochigi City, Tochigi Prefecture
- URL: https://www.t-shinko.jp/
Nasu Town is promoting the "Nasu Town Digital Front Yard Reform Project" with the aim of improving convenience for residents and visitors, leveraging the region's strengths in tourism and migration. This project is advancing the introduction of electronic applications, "no-need-to-write" counters, AI-powered telephone answering, and cashless payment options to reduce the time and travel burden associated with procedures primarily based on paper applications and cash payments.
Through the provision of the "AI-powered Telephone Answering Service" as part of this project, the Company has built a system where AI initially handles common inquiries from residents and, if necessary, transfers them to the relevant department. This 24/7 initial response supports improved convenience at telephone service counters and enhanced operational efficiency.
## Background of Introduction
In Nasu Town, challenges have been identified, including limited reception hours dependent on opening hours, and the significant burden of visiting town offices due to the town's large area. Furthermore, with 30.2% of residents working in other municipalities, a certain number of residents are expected to find it difficult to visit during reception hours.
To address these issues, the development of AI-powered telephone answering is being promoted as a "digital information desk" where necessary information can be confirmed with a single phone call.
## Overview of "AI-powered Telephone Answering"
"AI-powered Telephone Answering" supports the efficiency of telephone answering operations and improves resident services by having AI initially respond to phone inquiries from residents and, if necessary, transfer them to staff. Key features are as follows:
- 24/7 Support: Initial response to common inquiries such as how to obtain a resident certificate, taxes, how to dispose of garbage, and opening hours, anytime.
- Answers with the Latest Information: Reflects institutional changes and provides answers based on the latest information.
- Automatic Transfer during Opening Hours: Even for content that AI cannot complete, calls are automatically transferred to the appropriate department based on the conversation.
## Future Developments
The Company will continue to support the DX of local government counter operations, contributing to improved resident services and increased efficiency for staff. Furthermore, through the expansion of administrative DX solutions, including "AI-powered telephone answering," the Company will contribute to solving regional issues and supporting sustainable local government management.
## Introduction and Roles of Companies Involved in This Project
- Electric Kogyo Co., Ltd.: Established in 1950 as the second company of a former national policy company. Born as a company that develops telecommunications infrastructure, it has since expanded its business into high-frequency fields using induction heating technology. For over 75 years since its establishment, it has been involved in various businesses utilizing radio waves.
- Role in this project: Responsible for the design, development, implementation, and technical support of the AI-powered telephone answering system.
- Head Office Location: Toyosu Urban Point, 5-13, Toyosu 5-chome, Koto-ku, Tokyo
- URL: https://denkikogyo.co.jp/
- Tochigi Shinko Co., Ltd.: Established in February 1977, it is a system development company headquartered in Tochigi City, Tochigi Prefecture. It provides comprehensive support from commissioned development to package implementation, infrastructure construction, operation, and maintenance, working to solve customer challenges.
- Role in this project: Responsible for requirements definition with Nasu Town and promotion of introduction as the overall coordinator for this project.
- Head Office Location: 2628-7 Omiyacho, Tochigi City, Tochigi Prefecture
- URL: https://www.t-shinko.jp/