NAVER Cloud Exhibition Pavilion at the Osaka Expo. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
OSAKA, July 12 (Korea Bizwire) — At the ongoing Osaka–Kansai Expo, Naver Cloud’s exhibition on AI caregiving technology is drawing strong interest from Japanese visitors, particularly seniors seeking support tools for aging family members.
A standout attraction is “Clova CareCall,” an AI-powered phone service that checks in on elderly individuals living alone. More than just a check-in tool, the service is being positioned as a source of emotional companionship, with the ability to hold simple, comforting conversations.
Kaoru Matsui, 68, visited the Naver booth to see whether the technology could help his 91-year-old mother, who lives alone. “She has no trouble speaking, but she needs someone to respond,” he said. “If the avatar resembled Lee Byung-hun, whom she admires, I think it would really bring her joy.”
Originally piloted in Izumo, Shimane Prefecture, Clova CareCall has shown promise in Japan, where reserved communication styles sometimes make AI interactions feel more approachable than human conversations.
Feedback from users has been emotional: one woman said the AI helped her rediscover her voice after developing a speech disorder from a car accident, while another shared memories of her late husband with the AI for the first time.
Korea Pavilion at the Osaka Expo. (Image courtesy of Yonahp)
At the expo, long lines of Japanese attendees formed at the booth to experience CareCall firsthand. Naver reported an estimated 4,000 visitors per day, with around 12,000 expected over the three-day event.
In addition to CareCall, Naver is also showcasing its digital twin technology, which creates 3D visualizations of entire cities. The technology can map and monitor elderly residents’ movement and behavior in real-time, aiming to enhance urban support systems for aging populations.
South Korea’s main pavilion at the expo, themed “Connection,” features three distinct zones: one exploring AI-powered interpersonal connection, another focused on eco-friendly technology, and a third blending K-pop with intergenerational storytelling. Highlights include interactive voice-driven performances and an immersive hydrogen fuel cell installation by Hyundai.
A KOTRA official noted growing interest: “At peak times, lines stretch outside. Visitors especially interested in K-pop are often seen dancing along during the third zone’s experience.”
The exhibition underscores how South Korean tech companies are positioning themselves at the intersection of aging societies, digital innovation, and cultural export — with AI taking center stage in how people stay connected.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
AloJapan.com