Saitama Prefecture: Joint Use of Generative AI by Local Governments and Other Organizations in the Prefecture
Saitama Prefecture announced that it will begin joint use of generative AI among local governments and other organizations within the prefecture from April 2026. This initiative, the fourth joint service following voice-to-text, AI-OCR, and chat tools, aims to reduce costs and promote digitalization and operational efficiency. The jointly used product is '自治体AI zevo' by Shift Plus Co., Ltd., which is compatible with the LGWAN environment. Fifteen organizations, including Kumagaya City and Tokorozawa City, are expected to participate.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: March 30, 2026 at 23:00
- 🔍 Collected: March 30, 2026 at 22:56
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 15, 2026 at 21:50 (382h 54m after Collected)
From April 2026, Saitama Prefecture will commence the joint use of generative AI among local governments and other organizations within the prefecture.
Saitama Prefecture has established a specialized subcommittee within the Saitama Prefectural Municipal DX Promotion Network, which consists of the prefecture and all cities and towns within the prefecture, to work on the joint utilization of new technologies such as AI. As the fourth service following the previously introduced voice-to-text service, AI-OCR service, and chat tool, we will implement the joint use of generative AI.
By utilizing services jointly, it is expected that services can be used at a lower cost than individual introductions, leading to reduced introduction and operational costs for each local government and organization, and further promotion of digitalization and operational efficiency.
1. Overview
To enable local governments within the prefecture to use products that are already being introduced at a lower cost, the prefecture will consolidate local governments and other organizations wishing to participate in joint use, conclude agreements with service providers, and commence joint use from April 2026.
2. Jointly Used Product
自治体AI zevo (Shift Plus Co., Ltd.)
*A generative AI service that can also be used in the LGWAN environment, a dedicated network for local governments.
3. Participating Organizations (Planned)
15 organizations
(Kumagaya City, Tokorozawa City, Higashimatsuyama City, Fukaya City, Soka City, Warabi City, Toda City, Asaka City, Shiki City, Kuki City, Kitamoto City, Fujimi City, Sakado City, Yoshikawa City, Ina Town)
4. Agreement Partner
Shift Plus Co., Ltd.
《Reference》Saitama Prefecture's Joint Use Service Participation Status
1. Voice-to-text
Service that uses AI to transcribe audio data and create meeting minutes.
18 organizations at the start of joint use (June 2021) → 34 organizations (March 2026)
2. AI-OCR
Service that uses AI to convert handwritten characters into text and create a database.
9 organizations at the start of joint use (June 2021) → 21 organizations (March 2026)
3. Chat Tool
Cloud-based chat specialized for LGWAN, a dedicated network for local governments.
24 organizations at the start of joint use (April 2023) → 44 organizations (March 2026)
5. Contact Information
Planning and Finance Department, Administrative and Digital Reform Division, DX Promotion Section
Direct line: 048-830-2442
E-mail: a2440-11@pref.saitama.lg.jp
Saitama Prefecture has established a specialized subcommittee within the Saitama Prefectural Municipal DX Promotion Network, which consists of the prefecture and all cities and towns within the prefecture, to work on the joint utilization of new technologies such as AI. As the fourth service following the previously introduced voice-to-text service, AI-OCR service, and chat tool, we will implement the joint use of generative AI.
By utilizing services jointly, it is expected that services can be used at a lower cost than individual introductions, leading to reduced introduction and operational costs for each local government and organization, and further promotion of digitalization and operational efficiency.
1. Overview
To enable local governments within the prefecture to use products that are already being introduced at a lower cost, the prefecture will consolidate local governments and other organizations wishing to participate in joint use, conclude agreements with service providers, and commence joint use from April 2026.
2. Jointly Used Product
自治体AI zevo (Shift Plus Co., Ltd.)
*A generative AI service that can also be used in the LGWAN environment, a dedicated network for local governments.
3. Participating Organizations (Planned)
15 organizations
(Kumagaya City, Tokorozawa City, Higashimatsuyama City, Fukaya City, Soka City, Warabi City, Toda City, Asaka City, Shiki City, Kuki City, Kitamoto City, Fujimi City, Sakado City, Yoshikawa City, Ina Town)
4. Agreement Partner
Shift Plus Co., Ltd.
《Reference》Saitama Prefecture's Joint Use Service Participation Status
1. Voice-to-text
Service that uses AI to transcribe audio data and create meeting minutes.
18 organizations at the start of joint use (June 2021) → 34 organizations (March 2026)
2. AI-OCR
Service that uses AI to convert handwritten characters into text and create a database.
9 organizations at the start of joint use (June 2021) → 21 organizations (March 2026)
3. Chat Tool
Cloud-based chat specialized for LGWAN, a dedicated network for local governments.
24 organizations at the start of joint use (April 2023) → 44 organizations (March 2026)
5. Contact Information
Planning and Finance Department, Administrative and Digital Reform Division, DX Promotion Section
Direct line: 048-830-2442
E-mail: a2440-11@pref.saitama.lg.jp
FAQ
When will the joint use of generative AI start in Saitama Prefecture?
It will start from April 2026.
What is the name of the generative AI product to be jointly used?
It is '自治体AI zevo' by Shift Plus Co., Ltd.