– Japanet Executes Strategic Investment via Pegasus-Managed CVC Fund and Successfully Forms a Business Alliance with VACAN Inc. –

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Joint Development of Smart Tourism Solutions at Nagasaki Stadium City

 

＜Overview＞

In 2024, Japanet Holdings, a leading Japanese TV shopping and e-commerce group, entered into a strategic partnership with Tokyo-based startup VACAN to co-develop smart tourism solutions at Nagasaki Stadium City. The project aims to optimize the visitor experience in a large-scale entertainment complex by providing real-time facility usage information and crowd management systems, thereby promoting regional revitalization and economic growth.

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VACAN, selected as part of Japan’s “J-Startup 2019” program by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, specializes in AI and IoT-based space availability detection. Its technology can visualize real-time occupancy data for restaurants, cafés, restrooms, tourist attractions, shelters, and voting locations. The company provides digital signage and mobile interfaces that allow users to instantly check congestion levels, helping eliminate unnecessary wait times and improve operational efficiency.

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Japanet Holdings, while best known for its media-driven retail business, has actively pursued regional development projects in recent years. In collaboration with Pegasus Tech Ventures, it established a ¥7.5 billion CVC fund to invest in innovative companies aligned with its vision. In July 2023, VACAN was introduced to Japanet through Pegasus, leading to a strategic investment and the launch of a joint development project in October 2024.

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＜Challenges and Solutions＞

Nagasaki Stadium City is a multi-functional facility combining sports venues, retail, dining, and tourism spaces. However, during major sporting events such as soccer or basketball matches, the complex faces significant challenges related to congestion. Areas such as seating zones, food courts, and restrooms often become overcrowded, diminishing the visitor experience. Without real-time insight into crowd distribution, guests are unable to locate less crowded areas, leading to bottlenecks and discomfort. This not only impacts customer satisfaction but can also negatively affect repeat visitation and facility revenues.

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Additionally, many elderly visitors or individuals unfamiliar with digital technology may struggle to navigate mobile apps or access congestion data independently, limiting the overall effectiveness of app-based solutions. On the operations side, the absence of predictive data made it difficult for management to plan staff deployment during peak times, often resulting in delayed responses and inefficient resource allocation.

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To tackle these challenges, Japanet and VACAN implemented an integrated smart crowd management system throughout Nagasaki Stadium City. Using VACAN’s proprietary technology, IoT sensors were installed across key locations to monitor real-time occupancy of restrooms, restaurants, and seating areas. This data was made available via smartphone apps and digital signage, enabling all guests—not just tech-savvy ones—to view congestion levels and make informed decisions on where to go.

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In addition to providing real-time updates, predictive analytics were used to anticipate crowd movements. When a particular area showed signs of potential overcrowding, digital signage would prompt visitors to explore alternative locations. This helped distribute foot traffic evenly and maintain a comfortable environment for all guests.

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A digital queue system was also introduced, allowing visitors to take a virtual ticket through a touchscreen tablet or QR code at the location. Guests could register their contact details to receive a notification when their turn approached, enabling them to spend their waiting time freely instead of standing in line. This system was further enhanced by voice notifications via speakers, making it accessible even to those without mobile devices.

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As a result of these innovations, congestion within the facility was significantly reduced. During large-scale events, crowding in viewing areas and restaurants was minimized, contributing to a smoother, more enjoyable experience. Tourists were able to navigate the space with greater ease, leading to longer stays and increased spending in surrounding shops and businesses.

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​This collaboration between Japanet and VACAN has positioned Nagasaki Stadium City as a model for “smart tourism” infrastructure. It demonstrates how technology-driven solutions can address both operational challenges and visitor needs, contributing to the revitalization of local economies through seamless, data-enabled travel experiences.

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​​​​​＜References＞

1. VACAN Official Website: “VACAN contributes to the ‘no-waiting’ experience at Nagasaki Stadium City, opening on October 14. Comprehensive deployment of congestion visualization services.”

2. VACAN Official Website:“VACAN, provider of digital services to eliminate unnecessary waiting, announces successful fundraising.”

 

Note: Currency exchange rate assumption used for CVC fund reference: ¥150 = $1.