Gunma Prefecture’s police department has officially praised Sōsō Inc.’s AI‑driven video analysis platform for dramatically cutting review time in recent criminal cases. The tool automatically detects objects, recognizes faces, and highlights motion patterns, allowing investigators to locate critical footage within minutes instead of days, thereby accelerating case resolution and enhancing public safety.
How Sōsō’s AI Video Tool Works
Sōsō’s system combines deep‑learning‑based object detection, facial‑recognition, and motion‑pattern analysis to flag relevant segments in hours‑long surveillance videos. By triaging footage automatically, the platform reduces manual review effort and enables investigators to focus on high‑value analysis.
Gunma’s AI Initiative Context
The police commendation aligns with Gunma Prefecture’s broader strategy to embed generative‑AI services across public functions. Recent proposals invite private firms to develop AI solutions for administrative tasks, disaster response, and law‑enforcement support, reflecting a coordinated effort to modernize regional governance.
Field Testing and Validation
In October 2025, Sōsō conducted a field trial at an abandoned‑school site, simulating a disaster‑evacuation scenario with AI‑generated video overlays. The demonstration showed high accuracy in object classification and real‑time hazard marking, leading police officials to endorse the technology for criminal investigations.
Impact on Japanese Policing
Traditional video review in Japan is labor‑intensive, often hampered by limited staffing and massive footage volumes from public cameras, dash cams, and body‑worn devices. Automating the initial triage frees investigators to concentrate on case building, potentially shortening investigation cycles, improving clearance rates, and providing objective, timestamped evidence.
Privacy, Accuracy, and Safeguards
Japanese privacy law requires explicit justification for facial‑recognition use and strict data‑retention policies. Gunma Police emphasize that the AI platform operates under strict access controls, with all flagged footage reviewed by human analysts before any investigative action. Procurement guidelines also mandate transparent auditing to monitor algorithmic bias and false‑positive rates.
Future Developments and Expansion
Sōsō plans to add real‑time alerting for ongoing incidents, integrate with national crime‑data databases, and support multilingual video content. The company views the Gunma commendation as validation of its vision to make AI a force multiplier for public safety, and it aims to extend the platform to other prefectures seeking efficient, accountable investigative tools.
