The Pulse
Yokosuka Municipal Schools Begin Using AI-chan as a Consultation Channel Ahead of Child Sexual Violence Prevention Act
Yokosuka municipal schools will begin using Tsunagari AI’s AI-chan service as a consultation route for sexual-victimization concerns under Japan’s Child Sexual Violence Prevention Act, which takes effect on December 25, 2026. The existing s
AI.info Team · Written with AI · fact-checked ·
Yokosuka municipal schools begin using an existing AI consultation service
Tsunagari AI says Yokosuka municipal schools will use its AI-chan service as a consultation channel for sexual-victimization concerns under the Child Sexual Violence Prevention Act, which takes effect on December 25, 2026. The schools use the existing service as the entry point rather than introducing a new app or system. The service provides a text-based consultation route independent of the school, including for matters that may be difficult to discuss with teachers or family.
The Child Sexual Violence Prevention Act requires consultation systems
Japan’s Child Sexual Violence Prevention Act was enacted in June 2024 and takes effect on December 25, 2026. The law requires school operators to establish consultation systems as part of safety measures to prevent sexual violence against children. It also requires training and criminal-record checks for teachers and other staff.
AI-chan listens and can connect users to people
AI-chan first receives a person’s concerns through a listening-oriented AI rather than immediately imposing an answer. The service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and users do not have to decide what to call a problem or how serious it is before speaking up. When needed, it connects users to human consultation or Yokosuka City support services, and Tsunagari AI plans to add the city office responsible for preventing sexual crimes as a referral destination.
AI-chan has LINE and web entrances
AI-chan is available through LINE and a web browser. The web version is accessible from Yokosuka municipal schools’ one-device-per-student terminals during their permitted usage hours. The hybrid service began being provided in Yokosuka on July 31, 2026, combining AI with professional counselors, including clinical psychologists, certified public psychologists, public health nurses, mental health social workers and social workers; the web version has been available alongside LINE since September.