1. Background to Implementation

KODENSHA: Please tell us the reason why Shibuya City introduced the 121-language automatic translation function with "MySite AI Translation Premium."

Shibuya Ward: Previously, we translated into 5 languages, but in preparation for the renewal of the official ward website "Shibuya Ward Portal" in March 2023, we were considering increasing the number of languages to meet more diverse needs. Shibuya Ward has set "Shibuya City, a city that turns differences into strength" as its future vision, and we decided to introduce "My Site AI Translation Premium," which can translate into 121 languages, to realize a site that many people can use.

Kodensha: Were there any other services you considered?

Shibuya Ward: We considered various services, from free to paid. The key points in selecting My Site AI Translation were that it supports 121 languages, boasts high translation accuracy using DeepL translation, and automatically selects the same language as the browser used by the user.

2. Key Points for Implementation

Kodensha: Are there any episodes that left an impression on you during the implementation?

Shibuya Ward: "My Site AI Translation Premium" supported 36 languages, but I remember that you accelerated the release of the 121-language support, which was a significant addition, in line with the renewal of the Shibuya Ward Portal.
In parallel, we launched the digital archive site "SHIBUYA CITY RECORD" in November 2022 and decided to introduce automatic translation for both the ward portal and this site. It was good that we were able to have the same provider handle both automatic translation and human translation for "SHIBUYA CITY RECORD" and reflect those results.

3. Effects After Implementation

Kodensha: What are the effects of introducing "My Site AI Translation Premium" to the ward portal?

Shibuya City: Looking at the data aggregated by the dashboard function, we found that because the number of languages has increased, people are viewing our site in a considerable variety of languages. We would like to disseminate information with an even greater awareness of having people view it in multiple languages than ever before. In addition, for the "SHIBUYA CITY RECORD" and FAQ sites managed by the Public Relations and Communication Division, although the number of languages differs, we are using the same translation as the portal site so that users can use them seamlessly.

4. Future Challenges

Kodensha: Are there any points that should be improved or challenges you have felt in the future?

Shibuya City: It is the fact that automatic translation is not perfect. In particular, we believe there is a challenge in that human translation is necessary when sensitive content or accuracy is required.
Since your company is a translation firm, we have high expectations that you are reliable in that regard and that we can consult with you even when human translation is needed.

5. Introduction to Shibuya City

Introduction of Shibuya Ward Representative

Public Relations and Communication Division: Mr./Ms. A

Kodensha:Could you please provide any advice for other local governments when introducing automatic translation for 121 languages?

I think it is very important that by introducing automatic translation for 121 languages, we were able to notice a diversity we were not previously aware of. I believe that for local governments, which are administrative agencies, using automatic translation is very meaningful in terms of "leaving 1 no one behind."

I feel that introducing Kodensha's automatic translation service was a good decision, as it revealed a new challenge: disseminating appropriate information to people with diverse backgrounds.