Meet Tokyonauts: Tokyo’s New AI-Powered Public Relations Avatars

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) has introduced new AI-powered communications avatars called “Tokyonauts,” or “Toseijin” in Japanese. 

 
As social media has rapidly expanded and information has become increasingly abundant, there is a growing need to use AI more effectively to communicate information with a broader range of audiences. To meet this need, TMG created Tokyonauts—AI-powered communication avatars that deliver metropolitan government information clearly and promptly, while fostering a greater sense of familiarity and accessibility. 

Tokyonauts are a group of three AI avatars. Their character designs were created by Nishida Atsuko, a graphic designer well known for her work on Pokémon, including Pikachu. 

Based on official information released by TMG, generative AI is used to create short videos featuring conversations between the three Tokyonauts. Through friendly and easy-to-understand dialogue, the videos highlight key topics and answer common questions in a way that engages audiences of all generations.  

These videos are shared on social media and other digital platforms as part of TMG’s ongoing efforts to communicate openly and connect with the public. 

Through Tokyonauts, TMG will continue exploring new ways to share information. 

Meet the Avatars 

Tokyonauts are three explorers sent as investigators from Tosei, a planet much like Earth. The name “Tosei” comes from “to,” meaning metropolis, and the sound “sei,” which means a star in Japanese.  

After considering many candidate cities, they chose Tokyo as their base. 

While carrying out fieldwork in Tokyo to support the development of their home planet, they share useful information from TMG through short, conversational-style videos. Presented from their own perspectives, the content is designed to be easy to understand and relevant to everyday life. 

Fukuhou
Base: The Tama area (western part of Tokyo) 

Calm and slightly cool, yet warm-hearted, Fukuhou is dependable and highly knowledgeable. With strong information-gathering skills, Fukuhou is well-versed in Tokyo’s metropolitan government initiatives and works hard each day to bring together a team full of unique personalities. 

Kikukame
Base: The islands (Tokyo Islands in the Pacific Ocean) 

Kikukame is the lovable youngest member of the team, a bit of a worrier and sometimes a bit clumsy. On the first journey from the home planet, questions and worries constantly come to mind. With a pure and open perspective, Kikukame learns something new every day and continues to grow.

Tsutaneko
Base: The 23 special-ward area (central Tokyo)

Tsutaneko is a playful character who speaks its mind and loves a little bit of mischief. With big ears and a knack for social media, Tsutaneko is always quick to catch the latest trends. Energetic and free-spirited, Tsutaneko is constantly on the move and happily jumps into anything that sparks curiosity. 

About the Creator: Nishida Atsuko 

Nishida Atsuko is a graphic designer and illustrator loved by fans around the world. She is known for many iconic Pokémon characters, including Pikachu. She has also produced artwork for video games, trading cards, and characters for both private and public-sector organizations. 

Message From the Creator:
“My hope is that these companions will become irreplaceable and cherished friends to everyone.” This heartfelt wish gave rise to their creation. As they become part of your daily life, I hope they will gently brighten every moment. May each day, as it unfolds, continue to sparkle—leading to a future in which these characters shine on. 

Tokyonauts official website

Visit the official Tokyonauts website for the latest updates in Japanese (Machine translation is available). 
https://www.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/tosei/koho/tokyo_avatar

Distribution Platforms 

Short videos in Japanese are shared on social media platforms (Instagram, X, and LINE) and on YouTube (with Closed Captions). 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyo_avatar/

X: https://x.com/tocho_koho

LINE: https://lin.ee/Gne9Cw4

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tokyo