We pitched at the 59th UPGRADE with TOKYO, a startup pitch event hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

NaviNichi, Inc. took the stage at the 59th UPGRADE with TOKYO, a startup pitch event hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, held on September 25, 2026 at TOKYO UPGRADE SQUARE (Shinjuku Sumitomo Building), as one of five companies that passed the pre-pitch screening.

UPGRADE with TOKYO is a pitch event that aims to solve challenges facing the Tokyo Metropolitan Government through collaboration with startups. The 59th edition was held under the theme "Learn Japan's rules in an enjoyable way and make them your own: multilingual learning content on everyday rules using advanced technology," set by the Bureau of Citizens and Cultural Affairs.

Founding member Wataru Sugasaki presented "An AI avatar–guided, all-in-one platform for life in Japan for foreign residents," introducing how users can practice Japanese conversation with an AI avatar while experiencing everyday rules — such as moving-in procedures at the ward office and garbage sorting — in realistic, multilingual scenarios.

We will put the feedback we received from the judges during the Q&A to use in developing our services, and keep working toward a multicultural, inclusive society where foreign residents and Japanese society thrive together by building AI infrastructure that supports both foreign residents and the host side.