Val Laboratory Supports Local Community Development in Koenji Through Equipment Installation

Val Laboratory, Inc. (Headquarters: Suginami-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Munefumi Kikuchi; hereinafter "Val Laboratory"), the developer and operator of the route search service "Ekispert," has supported initiatives to create vibrancy in the Koenji Junjo Shopping Street (organized by the Koenji Ginza Shopping District Cooperative) as part of its gratitude and contribution to the Koenji area where its headquarters is located.

This initiative supports the "Future-Creating Shopping District Support Project" promoted by Suginami Ward, and involved providing support for the installation of AI cameras on the "Awa Odori Monument" located within the shopping street.

■ Background of the Support

Founded in 1976, Val Laboratory has been based in Koenji, developing software that supports public transportation infrastructure. As a way of "giving back" to the community that has supported us for many years, this support was realized out of a desire to contribute to creating a more attractive town for the shopping street and its visitors.

Koenji possesses culture and vitality that attract many people throughout the year, including the "Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori," one of Japan's leading festivals. As a partner for the sustainable development of this traditional town, our company will continue to walk alongside the local community.

■ Details of the Initiative

We supported the installation of AI cameras attached to the high-hanging lanterns placed between the Awa Odori monument statues that symbolize the shopping street's landscape. By analyzing human flow data, it is now possible to objectively grasp and visualize visitor trends during events and daily life, which were previously perceived only intuitively. The acquired data is expected to be used as foundational information for creating a town with high walkability, such as ensuring pedestrian safety and planning more attractive store layouts and events.

Additionally, our Representative Director, Mr. Kikuchi, attended the recent unveiling ceremony of the monument to pray for the future development of Koenji together with local residents.

■ Future Outlook

Val Laboratory will continue to value its connections with local communities, including Koenji, and leverage its expertise in public transportation and mobility to contribute to sustainable urban development. We will further deepen our collaboration with the government, shopping streets, and local residents to continue supporting Koenji in remaining a "town where people want to live and visit."

■ About Val Laboratory, Inc.

Since the release of the MS-DOS version of the route search system "Ekispert" in 1988, we have developed various services for corporations and individuals based on nationwide public transportation data and high reliability, with a track record of over 120,000 corporate clients.

In recent years, in addition to public transportation, we have been promoting MaaS initiatives and the research and development of next-generation route search systems, including support for various new mobility services such as shared bicycles.

Company Name: Val Laboratory, Inc.
Representative Director: Munefumi Kikuchi
Address: 2-3-17 Koenji-kita, Suginami-ku, Tokyo
Established: July 26, 1976
Capital: 41 million yen
Corporate Website: https://www.val.co.jp/

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