Tokyu's 'common' partners with StoryHub to launch 'City News' feature, initiating a pilot program for a regional information distribution model combining local community and AI editing

Tokyu Corporation, in collaboration with StoryHub Inc., has officially launched a new 'City News' feature within its local community app, 'common.' This pilot program, which began on May 26, 2026, aims to experiment with a new regional information distribution model that leverages the power of local communities alongside AI-driven editing.

'common' is a mobile application primarily serving residents along the Tokyu train lines, featuring four main functions: a 'Posting' feature for sharing local information; a 'Transfer' feature for donating unused household items; a 'Consultation' feature for solving daily issues one-on-one; and a 'Spot' feature for residents to map and share attractive locations. With over 250,000 cumulative downloads and 1 million communications recorded in fiscal year 2025, the app has become a vital tool for fostering mutual assistance and local community building.

StoryHub, the partner for this initiative, operates the 'StoryHub Platform,' a suite of tools designed to support the entire content lifecycle, from planning to delivery. In this pilot, the new 'City News' feature will collect, organize, and edit diverse local information using AI to deliver timely updates to those who need them. The feature will distribute three types of content: articles based on user posts curated by AI, interview articles featuring local shop and event staff edited with AI, and articles from approximately 100 local media outlets and municipal sources.

Despite the advancement of digitization, much of the information essential to daily life—such as local events and store details—is still largely disseminated through paper flyers, shop posters, or word-of-mouth, making it difficult to obtain such information easily in digital formats. Through this pilot, Tokyu seeks to build a digital mechanism that ensures highly relevant local information reaches the right people. By fostering an environment where residents can easily receive information that makes them think, 'I'm glad I knew this,' Tokyu aims to inspire residents to explore their neighborhoods and participate in local activities. The service begins in the Aoba Ward of Yokohama, with plans to expand to other areas starting in August.