Japan Tourism Agency to use new digital technologies

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

The Japan Tourism Agency is carrying on trials at five locations to promote local revitalization with the help of new tourism services making use of digital technologies.

In some experiments, a QR code and a facial recognition system are being used to encourage people visiting large-scale event venues and other facilities to visit nearby areas and to spend more on goods and services.

The Kashima Antlers, a team in the top division of the J. League, attracted around 20,000 spectators on average for its games held at its home stadium in the city of Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture, in 2019. But this had little effect in boosting the local economy since many spectators returned home soon after matches without visiting the nearby facilities.

“Usually, I only visit a restaurant after a match, but I went to a roadside rest area and two other locations during the test period”, a 56-year-old Antlers supporter said.

“We’ll explore the possibility of offering broader services, such as by expanding the scope of facilities” where the digital ticket can be used, Masao Amemiya, said a Fuji Kyuko executive officer.

The Japan Tourism Agency is planning to carry on similar tests in fiscal 2022, which would begin next April.

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