Testimonials: Public Relations and Communication Division, Shibuya Ward

Shibuya Ward celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2022. With the basic concept of "a city that changes differences into differences," we are working to realize "diversity and inclusion." We asked the person in charge about the background and impressions of introducing "MySite AI Translation Premium" in March 2023.

Kodensha: Please tell us why Shibuya Ward introduced the automatic translation function for 121 languages with "My Site AI Translation Premium".

Shibuya Ward: Previously, we were translating into five languages, but in preparation for the renewal of the ward's official website, the Shibuya Ward Portal, which took place in March 2023, we were considering increasing the number of languages to meet more diverse needs. Shibuya Ward has set up a future vision of "Shibuya Ward, a city that changes differences into Chikara", and has decided to introduce "My Site AI Translation Premium" that can be translated into 121 languages to realize a site that can be used by many people.

Kodensha: Were there any other services that you considered?

Shibuya Ward: We considered a variety of services from free to paid. The support for 121 languages, the high translation accuracy using DeepL Translate, and the automatic selection of the same language as the user's browser were key points in selecting My Site AI Translation.

Kodensha: Was there an episode that left an impression on you when you introduced it?

Shibuya Ward: "My Site AI Translation Premium" was available in 36 languages, but I was impressed by the fact that the release of 121 languages, which is a significant addition to languages, was accelerated in line with the renewal of the Shibuya City Portal.
In addition, in November 2022, we opened the digital archive site "SHIBUYA CITY RECORD" and decided to introduce automatic translation in conjunction with the ward portal. I think it was good that "SHIBUYA CITY RECORD" was able to reflect the results of both automatic and human translation by the same company.

Kodensha: What is the effect of introducing "My Site AI Translation Premium" on the ward portal?

Shibuya Ward: When I looked at the data aggregated by the dashboard function, I found that there are people who are browsing in quite a few languages due to the increase in the number of languages. I would like to disseminate information with the awareness that people will see it in multiple languages more than ever before. In addition, the "SHIBUYA CITY RECORD" and FAQ site in charge of the Public Relations Division are also in different languages, but they use the same translation as the portal site to ensure that users can use it seamlessly.

4. Future Challenges

Kodensha: Are there any points or issues that you feel need to improve in the future?

Shibuya: After all, automatic translation is not perfect. In particular, I think there is a problem that human translation is necessary when sensitive content and accuracy are required.
Since your company is a translation company, we are reliable in that respect and expect to be able to consult with you even if you need a manual translation.

Shibuya Ward Introduction of the person in charge

Public Relations and Communication Division: Mr. A

High-Tech Electric Agency:Please tell us if you have any advice for other municipalities when introducing automatic translation in 121 languages.

I think it is very important that by introducing automatic translation in 121 languages, we have noticed diversity that we did not know before. I think it is very meaningful for local governments, which are administrative agencies, to use automatic translation in terms of "leaving no one behind."

 It seemed to me that disseminating appropriate information to people with diverse backgrounds was a new challenge, so I am glad that we introduced Kodensha's automatic translation service.