Nara City: One Year Since the Establishment of the AI Special Department - Nara City's AI Utilization Initiatives in Fiscal Year Reiwa 7 (2025)

AI Summary (NQ-processed)

Nara City, Japan, established its AI Utilization Promotion Division on April 1, 2025, becoming a pioneer in AI adoption among local governments. Over the past year, the division has focused on improving operational efficiency and citizen services through AI. Key achievements in fiscal year Reiwa 7 (2025) include increasing generative AI usage among managers (from 38% to 74%), reducing work hours by approximately 17,200 hours, saving 50 million yen annually by optimizing call center procurement with Zoom Phone, and expanding 24/7 AI consultation services to new areas like childcare and senior care. From fiscal year Reiwa 8 (2026), the division will be reorganized into the "AI and Administrative Reform Promotion Division" to further drive comprehensive administrative reforms.