Regional Info App 'Lorcle' Expands Service to Fukui Prefecture

Starting May 29, all 17 municipalities in Fukui Prefecture have been added to the service area of 'Lorcle,' a smartphone app that aggregates regional information from local governments, media, and businesses. The service now covers 613 municipalities across 18 prefectures in Japan, as well as Los Angeles, providing users with daily local topics and practical lifestyle information. The app is available to the public free of charge.

Lorcle functions by consolidating regional information released by local governments, corporations, and organizations. Local police agencies also participate, providing timely updates on crime prevention measures and local incidents.

Lorcle is operated by Chunichi Shimbun (based in Nagoya), the publisher of the Chunichi Shimbun and Tokyo Shimbun. Launched in April 2024 in the three Tokai prefectures of Aichi, Gifu, and Mie, the service expanded to the Tokyo metropolitan area and the Kansai region in fiscal 2025. As of late May 2026, it is utilized by approximately 110 municipalities and about 200 companies and organizations.

Newly Added Service Area

Fukui Prefecture: Fukui City, Tsuruga City, Obama City, Ono City, Katsuyama City, Sabae City, Awara City, Echizen City, Sakai City, Eiheiji Town, Ikeda Town, Minamiechizen Town, Echizen Town, Mihama Town, Takahama Town, Oi Town, Wakasa Town (17 municipalities in total).

Users can access various types of information for free on Lorcle, including updates from regions beyond their residence. The app features pages for leisure and gourmet topics, as well as maps and calendars for event information. Local governments and companies use their respective pages to release community updates, tourism information, administrative procedures, and emergency information such as disaster alerts. The app also frequently offers digital coupons and promotional campaigns, which has contributed to its growing user base.

Local governments, regional organizations, and businesses can participate to have a dedicated page created for their region within the app.