AI BriefingNTT Docomo Business Trials ElevenAgents-Powered Voice Assistant in Fukushima
Key point
The trial, launched in autumn 2025 with Takeda Health Foundation, uses the CONN assistant to provide local information and companionship to elderly residents during heavy snow.
Details
NTT Docomo Business is trialing a voice-based community platform powered by ElevenAgents in Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima. The initiative, conducted with Takeda Health Foundation and the cooperation of Aizuwakamatsu City, centers on CONN, an AI assistant deployed to support regional healthcare and daily life.
Voice Quality Drives Adoption
The decision to use ElevenLabs was driven by the need for natural-sounding Japanese speech. Hironori Yoshida of NTT’s Generative AI Taskforce noted that while Japanese speech synthesis often sounds stilted, ElevenLabs delivered remarkably natural intonation and emotional expression. Yoshida described the experience as "a new way of delivering trust," emphasizing that the voice feels natural and trustworthy despite being synthetic.
Supporting Elderly Residents
The trial addresses specific challenges faced by older residents in Aizuwakamatsu, particularly during winter when heavy snow makes leaving home difficult. The voice agent provides local information and engages in everyday conversation to combat isolation. Field trials began in autumn 2025, with early user feedback reported as positive.
Future Expansion
NTT Docomo Business sees potential for this technology beyond the initial deployment. Future applications may include embedding voice AI across the company's telephony infrastructure and providing multilingual support for Japan's tourism industry.
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