[Shimotsuma City, Ibaraki Prefecture] Toward a City Where Everyone Can Live Authentically, Transcending Language and Disability Barriers Introducing translation devices supporting 120 languages to drive service reforms at service counters

Shimotsuma City, Ibaraki Prefecture is promoting “a caring community where everyone can feel at ease”—a place where people of all nationalities, cultures, and backgrounds can live with peace of mind—as well as“fundamental overhaul of counter services (Counter BPR),” the city introduced “transparent display-type translation devices”—the latest in communication technology—on Monday, August 3, 2026, at the city hall service counters (Planning Division, Child-Rearing Support Division, and Revenue Collection Division).

In addition, the city has newly established a “Consultation Desk for Foreign Residents” that utilizes this device.

People communicating using the translation device

Through this initiative, which embodies our city’s vision of “sustainable urban development alongside smart administrative operations,” we will support each citizen’s “unique lifestyle” and sustainable administrative operations.

■ Background of the Introduction and Initiatives for Service Counter Reform

(1) Realizing a Hybrid City Hall That Fuses “Digital and Analog”

In the “7th Administrative Reform Plan 2026–2030 (2nd Shimotsuma City DX Promotion Plan)” formulated by our city, we have set forth a vision for a “hybrid city hall” that utilizes the latest digital technologies while valuing the warmth of face-to-face interaction (analog).

In recent years, as migration to rural areas has increased, the diversity of our local community has expanded to include foreign residents, senior citizens, and people with disabilities. Against this backdrop, we have introduced this system as a concrete approach to bridge the digital divide and realize “reassuring dialogue that leaves no one behind.”

(2) Further Evolution of “No Writing, No Waiting, No Travel” Counter Services

Our city is promoting the improvement of citizen services and the streamlining of administrative processes through the use of ICT.We began operating the “Counter Support System” at the Citizens’ Affairs Division counter in October 2023, implementing a “No-Writing Counter” where notifications of change of address and requests for various certificates can be completed with a minimum number of signatures, and we are working toward a “No-Waiting Counter” that reduces the time spent at the counter.

Furthermore, we have created and introduced a “Procedure Checklist” as a new tool to help citizens complete procedures at City Hall more smoothly.

Procedure Checklist (Moving-In Procedures)

For complex procedures at City Hall associated with life events—such as moving in or getting married—this system allows anyone to easily confirm, without confusion, “which counter to visit and what procedures are required” simply by checking the items on the checklist.

We have also prepared versions of the sheet using simplified Japanese (with furigana) and English to make the procedures easier to understand not only for foreign residents but also for Japanese citizens.

Procedure Checklist (Easy Japanese Version: Marriage Procedures)

Through the introduction of these translation devices and the use of the procedure checklists, we aim to significantly reduce the time and effort lost due to language and hearing barriers, thereby providing high-quality public services.

■ The reassurance of seeing each other’s faces: “Transparent Display Translator” supporting 120 languages

This device features a system that converts spoken words into text in real time and displays them on a transparent screen. It enables smooth communication between both parties while they speak in their native languages.

Real-time translation (photo shows Tagalog translation)

・Simultaneous translation of 120 languages

It enables natural, face-to-face communication with minimal lag while seeing the other person’s face and expressions (providing a sense of reassurance).

・Japanese transcription feature

Displays spoken Japanese verbatim in large text. This provides visually clear and smooth guidance for people with hearing impairments and older adults with hearing loss.

・Installation Locations

The system is installed at three locations within the Shimotsuma City Hall: the “Planning Division,” “Child-Rearing Support Division,” and “Tax Collection Division.”

■ Opening the “Foreign Resident Consultation Desk” to Address Daily Concerns

Living in a new place often comes with anxieties caused by language barriers. In addition to providing information through our multilingual official website and other channels, the city has established a “Foreign Resident Consultation Desk” within the Planning Division so that residents can easily consult directly about their daily concerns. Staff members use translation devices to respond thoughtfully to each individual’s concerns.

Foreign Resident Consultation Desk (located in the Planning Division)

Main Support Services: ・Assistance with understanding letters sent from City Hall

　　　　　　　　　・Consultation on difficulties with daily life in Japan

　　　　　　　　　・Providing information on studying Japanese, etc.

Location: Planning Division, 3rd Floor, Shimotsuma City Hall

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

■ About Shimotsuma City, Ibaraki Prefecture

Fireworks at the “Shimotsuma Festival,” a summer tradition in Shimotsuma

Located in southwestern Ibaraki Prefecture, within about 60 km of Tokyo, Shimotsuma offers excellent access to the Tokyo metropolitan area, leading to a steady annual increase in the number of commuters to Tokyo.

At the same time, at the foot of Mount Tsukuba, the vast, endless plains make the area a treasure trove of agricultural and livestock products, including rice, pears, melons, and high-quality branded pork. For these reasons, Ibaraki Prefecture—including Shimotsuma—is often referred to as the “kitchen of the Tokyo metropolitan area.”

It is a town where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and embrace a lifestyle that suits you in a land rich in nature.

■ Access to Shimotsuma City, Ibaraki Prefecture

The Kanto Railway Joso Line running through the countryside of Shimotsuma City

≪By Train≫

・From Moriya Station on the Tsukuba Express to Shimotsuma Station on the Kanto Railway Joso Line (30 minutes by Rapid train, 40 minutes by Local train)

・From Toride Station on the JR Joban Line to Shimotsuma Station on the Kanto Railway Joso Line (50 minutes by express, 65 minutes by local)

・From JR Mito Line Shimodate Station to Shimotsuma Station on the Kanto Railway Joso Line (15 minutes by express, 20 minutes by local)

≪By Bus≫

・From JR Tsuchiura Station: Kanto Railway Bus bound for Shimotsuma (75 minutes)

・From TX Tsukuba Station: Kanto Railway Bus bound for Shimotsuma (55 minutes)

≪By Car≫

・From the Yawara Interchange on the Joban Expressway via National Route 294 (40 minutes)

・From Sakura-Tsuchiura Interchange via Tsukuba Science City (Gakuen Higashi-Odori) (30 minutes)

・From the Joban Expressway, take National Route 125 via the Tsuchiura-Kita Interchange (30 minutes)

■ Shimotsuma City Official Website

URL: https://www.city.shimotsuma.lg.jp/