A1. ChronoChat

Intensity of Human Connections

Solitary deaths among the elderly and young people who have been cut off from social contacts and relationships have become a social problem, and mutual aid ties have been lost in the community.

After the world war II, values of ambition, diligence, and unity spread. During rapid economic growth, confidence in innovation and growth increased. In the bubble era, prosperity and optimism led to excessive investment and consumption.

After the bubble burst, economic uncertainty led to a focus on stability and risk avoidance. Following the Lehman Shock, non-regular employment and deaths from overwork increased, and issues like a declining birthrate, aging population, and economic disparity became significant challenges.

With the focus on digitalization and environmental issues, flexible working styles and a slow life approach are becoming more common. The importance of local communities and mutual support is being re-recognized, and there is a growing awareness of enjoying nature and hobbies.

As digitalization progresses, the pursuit of societal happiness and considerate actions become crucial. Efforts towards environmental protection and a sustainable society advance, respecting diversity and forming a harmonious society.

During the post-war and economic boom, community spirit shaped life and work. Mutual support and collective effort were common, with workplace events fostering teamwork.

As urbanization and digitalization progress, traditional community and family connections weaken. More people feel isolated and alienated. In this era of individualism, rebuilding warm connections is a challenge.

ChronoChat preserves memories and experiences in digital space, connecting the past and present.

It collects personal memories, regional history, and cultural data, allowing users to engage in virtual conversations based on this information.

Originally developed for dementia care in the elderly, ChronoChat now supports cultural preservation and new community building.

Its behavioral analysis feature suggests optimal altruistic actions, fostering a society where people can naturally support one another.

—Before ChronoChat Changed Lives— Tokyo’s nights buzzed with restless energy, mirroring Shuichi's unease. In his 30s and consumed by work, a call from his sister lingered in his mind. "Mom’s been forgetting things lately," she said casually, but those words grew heavy. The fear of dementia cast a shadow over his family’s future. One evening, a news story caught his attention: an AI chat tool designed for dementia patients. It promised to recreate lost memories and rekindle family bonds. For Shuichi, it was a glimmer of hope. That moment stirred something within him. Shuichi began to see “memory” and “connection” in a whole new way.

—A Story of a Girl in the World of ChronoChat— ChronoChat entered her home as if it had always belonged. For Yuna, a teenager, ChronoChat was part of life from the start. It helped with homework, taught history, and even recreated conversations with her late grandmother. It felt like family. But at 17, a question began to stir within her: "Is this really connection?" The warmth of her grandmother’s words was undeniable, yet the knowledge that it was just data left her uneasy. Searching for clarity, Yuna resolved to look beyond the comfort of ChronoChat, embarking on a journey to discover something real and unseen.