About the Digital Smart City Foundation
Pioneering the Future of Digital Smart Cities
The Digital Smart City Foundation, established in 2016 as the Mobile Smart Town Foundation, aims to contribute to society through a wide range of activities.
From Mobile to Digital: The Evolution and Transformation of the Foundation
Originally founded as the Mobile Smart Town Foundation, we evolved into the Digital Smart City Foundation in 2023 to exert a broader impact through digital technology. We contribute to society with strategies centered around tourism and regional revitalization.
As pioneers in addressing the diverse needs of regions and the evolving times through digital technology, we walk hand-in-hand with the advancement of information technology.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for further digitalization has increased. In addition to our foundational principle of mobilizing information for tourism and regional revitalization, we are expanding into new digital business ventures.
Our primary services include:
- The multilingual tourism information site "Guidoor", providing travel and disaster information to domestic and international tourists.
- The web service "Guidoor D-arcade", allowing business owners from various industries to create, edit, and update their store information pages.
- The web media "Guidoor Media", offering articles on a wide range of topics from tourist spots, gourmet food, shopping, to the charm of Japanese culture, history, and craftsmanship.
Feel free to contact us anytime for inquiries or consultations.
These services are part of our Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives, aiming to boost inbound tourism and regional revitalization, offering multilingual services for international tourists, and benefiting domestic travelers and local residents.
In collaboration with local governments and private organizations nationwide, we, as members of the Cool Japan Public-Private Partnership Platform, disseminate various information about Japanese culture and traditions both domestically and internationally.
Multilingual Tourism Information Site "Guidoor" Broadcasting in 8 Languages!
"Guidoor" is a multilingual tourism information site that provides travel and emergency shelter information to tourists both domestically and internationally.
In addition to disseminating information provided by local governments in multiple languages, we create videos and feature articles to promote regional tourism and share them on various social media platforms. As of October 2023, approximately 470 local governments are participating in this initiative.
This is one of our foundation's social contribution projects, offering free web page creation, operation, multilingual translation, and maintenance, provided we receive the necessary materials such as tourism information and photographs.
※ We also offer free updates and photo replacements.
※ For significant page expansions or modifications, please consult with us separately.
For page creation, we require the following data: municipal emblems and an Excel sheet (please fill in the required information in our designated format).
Multilingual Tourism Information Site Guidoor
What Guidoor Offers
◆ Broadcasting primary information provided by local governments, such as tourism and event information, in 8 languages on dedicated pages for each municipality.
◆ Languages supported: Japanese, English, Chinese (Traditional/Simplified), Korean, French, Spanish, Indonesian, and Thai.
◆ Publishing disaster prevention information, including evacuation sites, beneficial not only for tourists but also for foreign residents and local citizens.
☆ To facilitate easy access to "Guidoor" during travel, QR codes are provided for each tourist spot's page.
◆ Tracking the number of QR code scans by language, enabling an understanding of tourist trends.
Guidoor "D-arcade"
Guidoor D-arcade is a user-friendly service that allows business owners to freely create, edit, and update their store information pages.
Accommodating a wide range of industries from dining to lodging, it reduces the barriers and costs of disseminating information. This service enables free creation of web pages for businesses.
In just five steps, you can create your own store's page on the web. With our comprehensive store page creation manual, it's easy to fill out the form and quickly have your page ready.
Pages in Japanese and English are available for free, and with additional options, you can expand to a maximum of 11 languages. Supported languages include Japanese, English, Chinese (Traditional/Simplified), Korean, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Russian, Indonesian, and Thai. There are no initial setup or operational costs.
※ Publishing in Japanese and English, as well as the first English translation (up to 2,000 characters), is free of charge.
※ For languages other than Japanese and English, a monthly fee of 500 yen (tax included) per language is charged for page publication.
※ Subsequent English translations and translations into other languages can be provided at 10,000 yen (tax included) per request (up to 2,000 characters). ※ Subsequent translations will be done by translators. The first English translation is machine-translated.
※ Supported languages include Japanese, English, Chinese (Traditional/Simplified), Korean, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Thai, Indonesian, and Russian.
※ Anyone can apply for publication on the site, regardless of industry, but there is a review process for the stores.
Guidoor Media - A Treasure Trove of Regional Information
Guidoor Media is a web media platform that uncovers and introduces Japan's hidden charms through diverse content.
We communicate the wonders of culture, history, and craftsmanship both domestically and internationally, creating new trends in tourism. We operate a web media platform that offers original content in various genres, from tourist spots and gourmet food to shopping, as well as Japanese culture, history, and traditional crafts.
We provide enjoyable and useful information, helping you discover new aspects of Japan's charm.
Developing Digital Strategies
With the goal of aiding in the resolution of future regional challenges through digital technology, we changed our name from the Mobile Smart Town Foundation to the Digital Smart City Foundation in 2023.
We continue to advance the mobilization of information, contributing to tourism and regional revitalization initiatives, while also expanding our business scope to encompass a broader range of digital ventures.
Creating Global Connectivity by Merging Regional Charm with Digital Technology
We broadcast Japan's unique cultural and resourceful aspects to the world using digital technology. Through our multilingual tourism information platform Guidoor and web media activities of Guidoor Media, we communicate the allure of various Japanese regions both domestically and internationally, creating new value.
Furthermore, we centralize information on tourist spots, transportation, event details, and emergency shelter information during disasters, providing high convenience and satisfaction to visitors and local residents.
Leveraging our achievements and technology, we are further advancing regional revitalization and international community building through the promotion of Digital Transformation (DX) and the use of AI.
Main Business Overview and Contracted Projects
We undertake a wide range of regional promotion activities, including logo design, posters, stickers, pamphlets, cards, video production, creation of tourist information sites, multilingual support, outdoor signage, workation monitor tours, and more.
We also establish "Tourism Promotion Partnerships" with numerous municipalities, collaborating on policy and conducting various seminars and panel exhibitions for municipal and related organization staff to support local governments.
Logo Design
Original logo for "Yokosuka Route Museum" in Kanagawa Prefecture
"Yokosuka Route Museum" Official Site
Original logo for "BLUE TATEYAMA WORKATION" in Chiba Prefecture
Production of Posters, Stickers, Pamphlets, and Cards
Photography and Video Production
PR Video Production: "Tateyama City Workation Demonstration Project PR Video"
PR Video Production: "Rediscovering the Charm of Yokosuka City" PR Video
Website and Page Creation
English Tourism Information Site for Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture
"Deep Temple Soba Special" in Chofu City, Tokyo
Special Page for Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture
"Deep Temple Soba Special" in Chofu City, Tokyo
Special Event Page for Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture
Special Feature Articles on "Hot Ishikawa Travel Net" in Ishikawa Prefecture
Hiroshima Prefecture Jinsekikogen Town
Signage and Billboard Production
Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture: "Urban Route Guide Sign Multilingualization (Multilingual Site Content Construction) Project"
Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture "Route Museum Satellite Information Board Production and Installation for the Shioiri Station Area"
Event Hosting Support
Brand Enhancement Support
Planning and Implementation of Monitor Tours
Examples of Contracted Projects
● Japan Tourism Agency's "Project for Creating Signboard Products Utilizing Unique Regional Tourist Resources"
∟ The Higashikagawa Route Museum Project - Connecting the city's highlights such as "gloves," "food," "art," and "history" into a route, transforming the entire Higashikagawa City into a 'museum' for a new way of enjoyment (Partner Municipality: Higashikagawa City, Kagawa Prefecture)
∟ The "Boso Acorn Pig" branding and complete game experience tour project to increase tourist repeat visits (Partner Municipality: Tateyama City, Chiba Prefecture)
∟ Mihama Town's project to rediscover the charm of the region through the promotion and creation of its rich food culture dating back to the Edo period, including traditional clam fishing, the unique 'tataki-net' fishing method, and the fermented food 'Saba no Heshiko' (Partner Municipality: Mihama Town, Fukui Prefecture)
● Japan Tourism Agency's "Support Project for Creating Tourism Content to Attract Inbound Tourists and Expand Consumption"
∟ Higashikagawa City's inbound tourist attraction promotion project (Partner Municipality: Higashikagawa City, Kagawa Prefecture)
∟ "Heavenly Soba Fest" to enjoy various kinds of "soba" and cultures from Japan and around the world (Partner Municipality: Jinsekikogen Town, Hiroshima Prefecture) ∟ Inbound tourist attraction project utilizing the beautiful natural scenery of Mihama Town and its traditional fermented food culture (Partner Municipality: Mihama Town, Fukui Prefecture)
● "Noto Hometown Expo" - Commissioned work for creating experience articles related to food (including food culture) (Ishikawa Prefecture)
● "Multilingualization of City Tour Route Signs (Construction of Multilingual Sign Content)" project (Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture)
● ICT-based tourism promotion and regional economic revitalization project 2018-2020 (Chofu City, Tokyo)
● Tateyama City workation demonstration project (Tateyama City, Chiba Prefecture)
● Tateyama City workation promotion project (Tateyama City, Chiba Prefecture)
● Contract for creating the English version of the "Yokosuka Travel Guide" tourism information site (Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture)
● Contract for operating the "Yokosuka Travel Guide" tourism information site in English 2020-2023 (Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture)
● Contract for creating the Traditional Chinese version of the "Yokosuka Travel Guide" tourism information site (Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture)
● Contract for creating and installing information boards for the Route Museum satellite facilities around Shioiri Station (Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture)
● Contract for creating the "Yokosuka Route Museum" logo (Yokosuka City Tourism Promotion & Charm Communication Committee)
● "JOY PIT" promotion project (Yokosuka City Tourism Promotion & Charm Communication Committee)
● "Rediscovering the Charm of Yokosuka City" PR video creation (Yokosuka City Tourism Promotion & Charm Communication Committee)
● "MEGURU PROJECT" promotion project (Yokosuka City Tourism Promotion & Charm Communication Committee)
● Contract for using multilingual websites for publicity and wide-area tourism promotion (Mito Tourism & Convention Association)
● Translation of exhibits at the Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden (Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture)
● Seminar for promoting tourism and regional revitalization using DX, etc. (Keynote speeches and information provision by private, government, and expert speakers)
● Contract for creating a multilingual tourism website for Katsuragi City (Katsuragi City, Nara Prefecture)
● Higashikagawa City city promotion project (Higashikagawa City Tourism Association)
● Branding strengthening project for Nasushiobara brand, etc., in fiscal year 5 of Reiwa (Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture)
● Promotion project for Jinsekikogen Town in fiscal year 5 of Reiwa (Jinsekikogen Town Tourism Association)
Click here for detailed project results
Introduction to Other Projects
Installation and Operation of Live Cameras
Broadcasting the beautiful scenery of Mount Fuji in 4K, 24 hours a day. At night, the feed switches to infrared camera footage. We provide low-cost installation and operation.[4K Live] Chubu Izu Winery Chateau T.S. Mount Fuji Live Camera
[4K Live] Nihondaira Yume Terrace Mount Fuji Live Camera
National Municipalities Survey
Since 2018, we have been conducting detailed surveys on the realities of municipalities' tourism projects and promotions every year. We carry out and publish detailed research and analysis on the current state and future prospects of tourism projects annually.
Purpose of the Survey
This survey aims to understand the status of tourism projects and promotional efforts in each municipality. Additionally, the results of this survey are intended to be utilized in future tourism promotion activities. (Conducted annually since 2018)
Survey Targets
All 1,741 municipalities nationwide
Survey Method
Survey requests are sent to the tourism departments of all municipalities (cities, towns, and villages, including the 23 wards of Tokyo) via email and fax. Responses are collected via web forms and fax and then compiled.
Click here for details of the National Municipalities Survey
DX, Tourism, and Regional Revitalization Promotion Seminars
In the face of rapid population decline and aging, promoting regional revitalization through the utilization of tourism resources and the dissemination of regional charm is a critical challenge for local governments.
Effectively advancing regional revitalization strategies requires the use of DX (Digital Transformation), workation concepts, and MaaS (Mobility as a Service). To strategically implement such measures, it's essential to consider what is necessary and which approaches are meaningful. We host seminars on tourism and regional revitalization, inviting leading experts in various fields to contribute to solving future challenges in each region.
Seminar Training Sessions and Guest Lectures at Universities
Our foundation actively promotes industry-academia collaboration. We are currently collaborating with Senshu University and the Meguro Laboratory to match various regional needs, such as inbound promotion and regional creation. As part of this, we dispatch our staff to deliver lectures and more.
By collaborating with municipalities, domestic and international universities, research labs, and industries across Japan, we provide a platform for sharing and co-creation, building a strong network and challenging ourselves to address societal and regional issues beyond industry-academia collaboration.
Industry-Government-Academia Collaboration Initiatives
As part of a special lecture on "Inbound Tourism Marketing Using ICT" at Senshu University's School of Business Administration, we conducted a special lecture titled "Creating Ideas for Tourism Marketing," incorporating insights from the Digital Smart City Foundation.
This lecture focused on inbound tourism and marketing using ICT, where students experienced actual data marketing, learning the process of creating new ideas in tourism marketing through database creation and analysis. This initiative, a collaboration among industry, government, and academia, sought solutions to various challenges faced by municipalities.
Digital and Web Collaboration with Regions and Municipalities
Our foundation supports events, photo exhibitions, and planned exhibitions that enhance the charm of regions, contributing to the increase in tourists and regional revitalization.
Event Management and Support
We create special event pages on Guidoor and broadcast them in multiple languages. Utilizing QR codes and other tools, these pages also serve as online guides at the event locations.
● Special Page for the "Heavenly Soba Fest" Event in Jinsekikogen, Hiroshima Prefecture
● "Minoh Waterfall One-Way Sightseeing Bus" in Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture
● Multilingual Special Page for the "Oiso Festival" in Oiso Town, Chiba Prefecture
Digital-Enhanced Management of Regional Sports Events
Official Site of the National Junior High School Baseball Tournament in Izu
- Live broadcasting of all matches, with live commentary for each game.
- Creation of the official website for the tournament.
- Production of printed and digital pamphlets.
Establishment of Online Galleries
In collaboration with Guidoor, we hosted the photo exhibition "Crossroads of Travel and History" in Oji Town, Nara Prefecture, simultaneously setting up an online gallery.
Production of Multilingual Posters, Cards, and Flyers
We produce high-quality posters, flyers, and promotional materials. With in-house designers and printing specialists, we achieve low-cost, high-speed production and delivery.
Planning and Hosting Exhibitions
Every year, we host a "Planned Exhibition" at the Kyodo News headquarters building, showcasing Japan's beauty through stunning photographs.
Promotion of Regional Brands and Special Products
Strengthening Branding Initiatives for Regional Brands
⚫︎ PR and support for regional brands
⚫︎ Promotion and support for regional specialty products and regional revitalization projects
⚫︎ Participation in product fairs, special product PR, and regional events
⚫︎ Planning and implementation of monitor tours
⚫︎ Event operation, support, and website creation
⚫︎ Planning to participation and sales in product fairs and markets
"Good Work Creation Fair"
A nationwide exhibition and business meeting event organized by credit unions, bringing together industries such as manufacturing, food, and tourism to stimulate regional economies and create business opportunities. Credit unions and their client companies from across the country gather to create new business prospects.
At our booth, we showcase our contributions to societal development using digital technology and engage with a diverse range of participants, including credit unions, to explore new business possibilities. We also actively support matchmaking with municipalities, regional companies, organizations, and educational institutions at the venue.
Organizational Chart
Foundation Directors
Representative Director
Tsutomu Shida
Founder and Senior Advisor of SHIDAX Group
Vice Chairman & Executive Director
Masakazu Ochiai
Web Media Critic / Registered Expert for the Japan Tourism Agency's Wide Area Tourism Promotion Project (DX & ICT)
Vice Chairman & Managing Director
Jun Funatogawa
Vice Chairman & Managing Director
Masami Yamasaki
Former Vice Mayor of Chigasaki City
Director
Keizo Hiyoshi
Director
Eizo Yamasaki
Auditor
Toru Honma
Foundation Councilors
Foundation Councilor
Kinichi Shida
Chairman and CEO of SHIDAX Group
Foundation Councilor
Kazuhisa Kawakami
Professor at Reitaku University
Foundation Councilor
Ramon Meguro
Professor at Senshu University's School of Business Administration
Japan Tourism Promotion Comprehensive Research Institute
The think tank of the Digital Smart City Foundation (formerly the Mobile Smart Town Promotion Foundation), the Japan Tourism Promotion Comprehensive Research Institute, conducts research in collaboration with Senshu University's Meguro Laboratory on inbound tourism, multilingualism, and surveys on the realities of international tourists visiting Japan.
About the Japan Tourism Promotion Comprehensive Research Institute
