Thank you for always using AI AVATAR.

Today, we have some truly exciting news to share.

A research paper co-authored by Torilab — AI AVATAR Inc.’s group R&D base — together with the National University of Singapore (NUS) has been awarded Spotlight recognition at NeurIPS 2025, the world’s most prestigious AI and machine learning conference. The Spotlight track is reserved for the top ~3% of submitted papers.

The paper, titled “Angular Steering: Behavior Control via Rotation in Activation Space,” introduces a new approach for precisely and safely controlling the behavior of large language models (LLMs).

To have our work selected among “the very best of the best” at a venue where Google, OpenAI, Meta and the world’s leading research institutions compete is, for us, a meaningful step forward — one we hope brings safer, more trustworthy AI a little closer to everyday life.

For an AI that “stays close” to people, it’s not enough to design only the surface of a conversation.

We have to look inside the model itself — and learn to guide it with care.

This recognition is a quiet testament to the basic research that lives behind the products you use every day.

■ Research Details

Paper Title: Angular Steering: Behavior Control via Rotation in Activation Space

Conference: NeurIPS 2025 (Neural Information Processing Systems)

Selection: Spotlight (Top ~3%)

Paper ID: arXiv:2510.26243

Collaboration: Torilab (AI AVATAR group R&D base) × National University of Singapore (NUS)

We will keep nurturing both world-class research and products that quietly support your everyday life.

Thank you for your continued support of AI AVATAR.

AI AVATAR Inc. has announced a technology partnership with the upcoming Fuji TV (Kanto local) program “Sashihara Chinatsu,” providing AI avatar technology to power the show.

“Sashihara Chinatsu” is an honest talk variety program featuring the first-ever collaboration between Rino Sashihara and Chinatsu Wakatsuki. At the heart of the show is an AI avatar named “Sashihara Chinatsu,” generated from data based on both personalities.

This AI avatar independently analyzes audience voices and public perceptions, then poses sharp, unfiltered questions to the hosts and guests — drawing out conversations you rarely hear anywhere else.

AI that doesn’t just support — but draws out the truth. We are excited to bring this new dimension of AI to a television audience, and hope it opens up a new way for people to experience what AI can truly do.

▼ Program Details

Broadcaster: Fuji TV (Kanto Local)

Airtime: Every Saturday, 24:45–25:15 (30 min)

First Episode: Saturday, April 18, 2026

2026-03-28
AI AVATAR PTE. LTD

Dear Valued Customers,

We are pleased to inform you that BuzzNet is now available again, along with several of our services following the recent system maintenance and security enhancements.

At this time, the following platforms are accessible:

• AI AVATAR app
• Online Store
• BuzzNet

Please note that other services are still undergoing final security checks and will be restored as soon as they are ready.

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused and greatly appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue working to ensure a safe and reliable experience for all users.

Further updates will be shared as additional services become available.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,
AI AVATAR Team

AI AVATAR Inc. Announces Strategic Partnership with Influencer Haruki Kai
Accelerating Brand Awareness with His 3 Million Followers
~ Promoting New Business Expansion Under the Vision: “From Being No One to Becoming Someone with AI” ~

AI AVATAR Inc. (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Ichiro Kato), a company dedicated to being an “absolute support system” for those who strive, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with influencer Haruki Kai, who has a combined social media following of approximately 3 million.

Through this partnership, and with a view toward the transition from the SNS era to the “AI era,” we will leverage Mr. Kai’s influence and communication power to further accelerate brand awareness and market penetration of the AI Avatar business.

■ Profile: Haruki Kai

Born in Okayama, Japan, Haruki Kai is an entrepreneur and influencer. After enrolling in the Faculty of Business Administration at Kobe University, he left to pursue entrepreneurship. He actively shares content across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, with a total following exceeding 3 million.

Driven by his belief that “effort can change your life,” he continues to inspire and support people in taking on new challenges.

■ Profile: Tsuyoshi Tomioka

CEO of AI AVATAR Inc. and former professional rugby player. After playing for Aoyama Gakuin University’s rugby team, he joined Kobe Steel and contributed to the team’s seven consecutive championships. After retiring from sports, he transitioned into business and now leads the AI Avatar initiative.

Drawing from his experience of overcoming adversity and achieving results, he promotes the vision of “AI that supports human effort.”

■ Background and Purpose of the Partnership

While the spread of social media has expanded individual influence, advancements in AI are ushering in an era where “anyone can create and share value.”

Recognizing this shift, AI AVATAR has been developing services that maximize individual potential through AI avatars.

By welcoming Haruki Kai—who holds strong influence in the SNS era—we aim to accelerate the creation of “stars in the AI era.”

■ Partnership Details

In the AI Avatar business, Haruki Kai will primarily contribute in the following areas:

• Expanding awareness of the AI Avatar business
• Strengthening information dissemination through social media
• Market development from an influencer perspective

■ Strategy and Potential of the AI Avatar Business

Haruki Kai has expressed that the AI market holds the potential for “those who were once no one to become someone,” recognizing AI as a powerful tool for expanding individual potential.

Previously, content creation such as writing and video production required specialized skills. Today, however, AI enables anyone to create and share content.

In this evolving landscape, AI avatars are expected to serve as a new form of communication.

■ New Communication Enabled by AI Avatars

AI avatars are gaining attention not just as content generation tools, but as entities that expand personal expression and communication.

For example, AI-powered image and video generation allows users to instantly visualize their ideal self or concept, significantly lowering the barrier to self-expression.

Additionally, AI avatars can engage in daily conversations, offering a new experience by understanding and supporting users’ actions and emotions.

■ Future Outlook

As an initial goal, Haruki Kai aims to expand awareness of the AI Avatar business by strengthening content distribution across platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

Together with Mr. Kai, we will continue to create new value through AI avatars and strive to realize a society where AI unlocks human potential.

■ Collaboration Videos (YouTube)

You can watch collaboration videos featuring Haruki Kai and CEO Tsuyoshi Tomioka below. They discuss their vision for the business and the potential of AI avatars.

[Tsuyoshi Tomioka] “My Dad Became a CEO”
https://youtu.be/Z1cd9SYpCvI?si=U0olIQ61qGw5rcMY

Haruki Kai – KAITUBE
https://youtu.be/6cLlY4G9zpg?si=W6W9sXiyt-y0D9kN

■ About AI AVATAR Inc.

AI AVATAR GROUP is a global company with operations in seven countries, including Japan and across Asia. The company focuses on developing and providing “AI AVATAR,” a conversational AI application that understands emotions, utilizing multimodal technologies such as text, voice, and facial expressions.

Since launching its AI avatar business in Japan in 2022, the company has expanded into fields such as healthcare and education, while also promoting collaborations with other organizations.

Guided by the vision of being an “absolute support system,” AI AVATAR continues to develop AI that supports human actions and challenges.

■ Company Information

Company Name: AI AVATAR Inc.
CEO: Ichiro Kato
Website: https://jp.aiavatar.fun/
Address: Pacific Century Place Marunouchi 20F,
1-11-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Business: Development, operation, and sales of AI-powered consumer products

■ Official Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aiavatarjapan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiavatar_japan/
X: https://x.com/aiavatar_japan

2026-03-27

AI AVATAR PTE. LTD

Dear Valued Customers,

We are pleased to inform you that our Online Store and AI AVATAR app are now available again following the recent system maintenance.

At this time, the Store supports payments via:

• Bank Transfer
• Credit Card

Cryptocurrency payments are currently not supported. Please note that other features and services are still undergoing security checks and will be restored in phases.

We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to strengthen our system to ensure a safer and more reliable experience.

Further updates will be shared as additional services become available.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,
AI AVATAR Team

Survey Reveals That About 80% “Don’t Talk to Anyone”

Many Respondents Say
They “Find It Easier to Speak Their Mind to AI Than to People” –

AI Avatar Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Ichiro Kato; hereinafter “the Company”), which positions itself as the “absolute cheerleading squad” for those who strive, conducted an “Awareness Survey on Anxiety About New Life Stages and Consultation Behavior”*¹ targeting 403 men and women nationwide aged 10 to 50.

The results revealed that while many people feel anxious about new life stages, the reality is that many keep their worries to themselves without consulting anyone. Furthermore, the survey confirmed that AI is already being utilized as a partner for counseling and casual conversation, and is increasingly being accepted as a “presence with whom it is easier to speak honestly than with people.” Against this backdrop, the AI Avatar app “AI AVATAR” provided by the Company offers support to help users take positive steps at their own pace by providing a conversational experience where they can freely speak their minds, thereby addressing their daily anxieties and concerns.

*¹From Knowns Consumer Research (Data collected March 12–16, 2026)

■Background and Purpose of the Survey

The start of a new life—marked by events such as entering school, starting a new job, a job transfer, or moving—is a time when living environments undergo significant changes, and people are prone to feeling anxiety and loneliness.

How do people cope with these anxieties, and whom do they turn to for advice? In addition to understanding these realities, we conducted this survey to clarify how AI—which has become increasingly widespread in recent years—is perceived as a source of support.

[Survey on “Anxiety About New Life Stages and Consultation Behavior”: Overview]

Sample Size: 403 respondents

Sample Criteria: Men and women aged 10–50

Survey Dates: March 12–16, 2026

Survey Method: Knowns Consumer Research (Online Survey)

■ Survey Results Summary

• Over half of respondents feel “anxiety” or ‘tension’ regarding their new life
• Approximately 80% have experienced “not confiding their worries to anyone”
• Approximately 80% responded that “it is easier to speak honestly with AI than with people”
• Resistance to consulting AI is low, and acceptance is growing
• AI is expected to play multifaceted roles, such as “consultation,” “advice,” and “casual conversation”
• Intent to use personal AI or counseling services exceeds 80%

■ Detailed Survey Results

A majority of respondents (59.8% for “anxiety” and 54.3% for “nervousness”) feel these emotions regarding their new life, suggesting that environmental changes are causing psychological stress.

Regarding concerns about their new life, 84.3% of respondents—combining those who said they experience such concerns “often” and “sometimes”—reported that there are times when they “don’t consult anyone.”

Additionally, approximately 20% of respondents stated that they “have no one to consult,” indicating a tendency for people to keep their worries to themselves.

About 70% of respondents have experience using AI as a partner for counseling or casual conversation, suggesting that its use as a daily conversational partner is expanding.

Approximately 80% of respondents reported having felt that “it is easier to speak honestly with AI,” indicating that AI functions as a counseling partner with a low psychological barrier.

About 90% of respondents answered that they have “no resistance” or “some resistance” to consulting with AI, while only a small minority expressed complete resistance.

Regarding the roles people expect AI to fulfill, “objective advice,” “casual conversation,” and “counseling for personal concerns” ranked highest, revealing that both practical utility and psychological support are sought after.

Intent to use a personal AI avatar stood at approximately 86%, and intent to use AI counseling services was also high at approximately 88%, indicating that AI is becoming accepted as a practical means of seeking advice.

■ Comment from AI Avatar Co., Ltd.

This survey revealed the reality that many people feel anxiety and loneliness as they start a new chapter in their lives, yet end up bottling up their worries without being able to confide in anyone. On the other hand, the fact that many people feel it is “easier to speak honestly” to AI suggests that AI is beginning to be accepted as a daily confidant.

Our AI avatar app, “AI AVATAR,” supports each individual as an “absolute cheerleader,” encouraging them to take positive steps forward through a conversational experience where they can freely express their true feelings. Moving forward, we will continue to provide support to help people “become the person they want to be” while empathizing with their emotions.

■ About AI AVATAR Co., Ltd.

The AI AVATAR GROUP, with offices in seven countries worldwide—including Japan and other Asian nations—is a global company focused on the development and provision of the conversational app “AI AVATAR,” which understands emotions. We are dedicated to the social implementation of “supportive AI” that leverages multimodal technology (text, voice, and facial expressions).

In 2022, the company launched its AI Avatar business in Japan. In addition to the “AI AVATAR” app, we are expanding into the medical and education sectors and promoting collaborations with other companies that leverage our technology. With a vision of “a future where AI walks alongside people and continuously supports their efforts,” the company develops AI avatars that stand by people’s actions and challenges, encouraging them to take positive steps forward.

As part of these efforts, the company offers AI avatar services tailored to specific needs, such as “SOULRiZA,” a companion AI partner app designed to support consistent action.

■ About “SOULRiZA”

App Name: SOULRiZA

Provider: AI Avatar Co., Ltd.

Supported Platforms: iOS / Android (Global Support)

Main Features: Interaction and encouragement from AI avatars, daily habit management, notifications to prompt action,

body transformation support through weight and meal tracking

Pricing: Free (Some in-app purchases available as usage progresses)

Download the app here: https://app.adjust.com/1ubx579n

[Company Overview]

Company Name: AI Avatar Co., Ltd.

Representative: Ichiro Kato

URL: https://jp.aiavatar.fun/

Address: 1-11-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Pacific Century Marunouchi, 20th Floor

Business Activities: Development, operation, and sales of AI-powered consumer products

Official Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aiavatarjapan

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiavatar_japan/

X: https://x.com/aiavatar_japan

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrSAg9bcBaCO6SVoRVPa5Q

–Emerging avatar-type AI market reveals consumer demand for “mental partners”-

AI Avatar Co.,Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Ichiro Kato; hereinafter “the Company”), which champions itself as your “absolute cheerleader” during your efforts, conducted a survey on the conversation experience with conversational AI and AI avatars among 313 men and women aged 20 to 50 nationwide.

This survey revealed that while conversational AI is used as a means for information acquisition, such as “research and information gathering,” it is also increasingly accepted as a partner to engage with words at one’s own pace through uses like casual conversation and sorting out feelings. It also indicated the growing value placed on “mental performance (menpa),” a concept gaining attention in recent years.

Additionally, we conducted a verification study measuring brain activity (oxyhemoglobin changes) during conversations with AI avatars versus human conversations. This explored the potential of AI avatar interactions from both consumer perception and physiological response perspectives.

■Survey on Perceptions of Conversational AI and AI Avatar Interaction Experiences

【Survey Overview】

Sample Size: 313

Sample Criteria: Men and women aged 20s to 50s, individuals who have previously used “conversational AI like ChatGPT”

Survey Period: Thursday, January 28, 2026 – Sunday, February 1, 2026

Survey Method: Online survey

【Survey Results Summary】

• ChatGPT is the most widely used conversational AI at approximately 63%
• Meanwhile, awareness of character/avatar-type AI exceeds 80%
• Primary purpose for conversational AI use is “research,” but receptive usage also exists
• Compared to human conversation, respondents noted AI allows “talking without worrying about social cues” and “easier expression of true feelings”
• The most common scenario for wanting to converse with avatar-type AI is “when I just feel like talking to someone”
• Sought after during “times when I don’t feel like trying hard”
• Expectations lean more towards “companionship” and ‘acceptance’ rather than “instructions/management”
• “Conversations that don’t burden the mind”

【Detailed Survey Results】

1. ChatGPT is the most used conversational AI. Meanwhile, awareness of AI avatars exceeds 80%

First, when asked “Which conversational AI have you used in the past?” (multiple answers, n=364), ‘ChatGPT’ was the most common at 62.6%, followed by “Google Gemini” at 42.0%.

“Character AI and other character/avatar-type AI” remained at only 16.8%. When asked about awareness of “AI avatars with facial expressions and voices” (single answer, n=313), 34.2% responded “I know about them and have already used them,” while 47.6% said “I know about them but have never used them.” This reveals that while usage experience is limited, awareness of their existence is widespread at 81.8%.

2. While “research” is the primary purpose, receptive uses like “casual chat” and “sorting out worries” also have a certain number of users

Regarding “Main purposes for using conversational AI” (multiple answers, n=313), “Research/information gathering” was the most common at 72.2%. This, along with the second-ranked “Generating ideas” (39.6%), meant that function-driven uses dominated the top positions.

Other uses included “consultation” (38.7%), “casual chat/passing time” (38.3%), and “organizing worries/feelings” (33.6%), each seen by a significant number of users.

In the “Other” free-response category, answers like “word games or riddles” emerged, suggesting a growing trend of “receptive usage”—where no clear purpose is needed and the premise is simply to be heard by the AI.

3. Compared to human conversation, AI is seen as “easy to talk to without worrying about social cues” and “easy to speak honestly with”

When asked about impressions when talking to conversational AI compared to talking to people (multiple answers, n=313), “Provides immediate responses” (49.5%) accounted for about half. Following this, responses like “I can speak without worrying about offending them” (40.9%), “I can easily speak my mind” (32.3%), and “I feel secure knowing I won’t be contradicted” (27.5%) were also prominent. This clearly shows conversational AI is perceived as a partner with whom users feel comfortable expressing their emotions and thoughts candidly.

Simultaneously, a significant number (30.4%) expressed skepticism, stating they “doubt whether it’s truly accurate.” This indicates that while conversational AI is valued for its convenience and ease of use, it is still being approached with caution.

4. The most common scenario for wanting to converse with avatar-type AI is “when I just feel like talking to someone.” They are sought after “when you don’t feel like trying hard.”

Next, while many people feel conversations with conversational AI have a “positive impact” on their feelings and thoughts (70.2% – single answer), we asked, “If AI could converse with you as an avatar (appearance, voice, character), in what situations would you like to use it?” (multiple answers, n=313).

The most common response was “When I just feel like talking to someone” (43.5%), followed by “When I want someone to listen to troubles I find hard to share with people” (37.4%) and “When I want to organize my thoughts” (35.5%).

These responses suggest that avatar-type AI is sought as a conversational partner during “times when you don’t want to push yourself”—moments when people want to shift their mood or adjust their state. Additionally, responses like “When I want encouragement” (31.6%) and “When I need someone to give me a push” (26.8%) indicate expectations for it to serve as a presence helping people take positive steps forward.

5. What’s expected is “dialogue that doesn’t burden the mind”—like “companionship” and ‘acceptance’—rather than “instructions or management”

Finally, when asked, “What specific value do you particularly feel from conversations with conversational AI (like ChatGPT) or AI avatars?” (multiple selections, n=313), responses included “organizing many options for me” (40.9%), “allowing me to talk without overthinking” (40.6%), followed by “making me feel more at ease” (37.1%) and “freeing me from worrying about right or wrong answers” (29.4%).

Reviewing the expectations and concerns expressed in the open-ended responses revealed opinions such as: “I expect it to serve as a tool for venting honest feelings that are hard to share with people,” “I expect it to allow me to speak honestly and feel lighter,” and “I can be my true self without worrying about being gossiped about or talked about behind my back later.”

These results indicate that conversational AI and AI avatars are expected to serve as “conversation partners that don’t impose mental burdens” – entities that listen without judgment or evaluation, embodying qualities like ‘companionship’ and “acceptance,” rather than entities that give instructions or manage.

■Brain Blood Volume Measurement Verification

【Verification Results Details】

Additionally, to explore how conversations with AI avatars affect human brain activity, a preliminary verification experiment using brain blood volume measurement was conducted under the supervision of Professor Yoshihiko Koga, MD, PhD, Professor Emeritus at Kyorin University.

In this experiment, we measured changes in cerebral blood volume (oxyhemoglobin change values) during conversations with a human and during conversations with an AI avatar, comparing brain responses during each interaction.

The results showed that, in some subjects, conversations with the avatar activated the frontal lobe of the brain to a degree nearly equivalent to conversations with a real human. This finding suggests the potential for brain activity similar to that experienced during human conversation.

■Potential Applications of AI Avatars Revealed by Research Findings

This research and verification revealed that while conversational AI is primarily used for functional purposes like “research and information gathering,” many people value the ability to speak without reservation and the ease of expressing their true feelings.

Notably, top scenarios for wanting to converse with avatar-type AI included “when I just feel like talking to someone” and “when I want to organize my thoughts,” suggesting a desire for a conversation partner in a “no-pressure state” where evaluation or correct answers aren’t expected. Furthermore, responses to conversations with conversational AI and AI avatars increasingly included perceptions like “I can talk without mental strain” and “it makes me feel more relaxed.” This trend likely stems from the growing emphasis on “mental performance” (menpa), a value system gaining attention in recent years that prioritizes reducing emotional exhaustion and fostering mental stability and breathing room.

These results suggest that AI avatars are expected to serve not as entities that give instructions or manage tasks, but as “conversation partners that don’t burden the mind”—helping users sort through their feelings and consider their next steps at their own pace.

AI should not replace people, but rather become a presence that supports an environment where people can challenge themselves more authentically. This survey represents a step toward demonstrating that potential.

The AI avatar app “AI AVATAR” is an AI companion that accompanies users on their journey to “become the person they aspire to be,” acting as their “absolute cheerleader for their efforts.” Rather than seeking evaluation or correct answers, it provides a conversational experience that acknowledges feelings and supports progress at one’s own pace.

■Comment from Professor Emeritus Koga

Amidst a declining birthrate, the primary expectation for AI avatars is likely their superior information delivery function. The prefrontal cortex is a crucial region in humans, highly developed and responsible for cognition, emotion, and motivation. These results suggest that AI avatars, by activating the prefrontal cortex, not only effectively convey information to conversation partners but also hold potential to serve as communication tools that foster stable emotions and proactivity in the near future.

We anticipate that as the functionality of this AI avatar evolves, it will further contribute to achieving sustainable human well-being.

Yoshihiko Koga (Professor Emeritus, Kyorin University; Psychiatrist; Doctor of Medicine)
Graduated from Keio University School of Medicine. Served as Chair Professor at Kyorin University School of Medicine before assuming his current position. Honorary Member of the Japanese Society for Neurophysiology. Honorary Chairman of the Japanese Society of Hypnosis. Specializes in psychophysiological research on mental disorders and brain imaging studies investigating the effects of scents and foods on brain function.

■About AI Avatar Co,.Ltd.

AI AVATAR GROUP, with bases in seven countries worldwide including Japan and other Asian nations, is a global company focused on developing and providing the conversational app “AI AVATAR” that understands emotions. It works on the social implementation of “companion AI” utilizing multimodal technology (text, voice, facial expressions).

In 2022, it launched its AI Avatar business in Japan. Beyond the “AI AVATAR” app, it is advancing into the medical and education sectors and promoting collaborations with other companies utilizing its technology. With the vision of “a future where AI walks alongside people, continuously supporting their efforts,” the company develops AI avatars that accompany human actions and challenges, encouraging positive steps forward.

As part of these efforts, it offers AI avatar services tailored to specific uses, such as the companion AI partner app ‘SOULRiZA,’ which supports the continuation of actions.

■What is the Conversational AI App “AI AVATAR”?

The conversational AI app “AI AVATAR,” provided by AI AVATAR Inc., is designed as an “absolute cheerleader” that continuously supports users’ daily efforts and challenges. It reads emotions in real-time from the user’s voice tone and facial expressions, responding with words of ‘empathy’ and “encouragement” tailored to their current feelings. Through continuous updates, the AI Avatar evolves beyond a mere conversation partner into a “supporting partner” equipped with personalized features like push notifications and schedule management, supporting users’ daily efforts.

Download the app here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ai-avatar-your-companion/id6443651909

【Company Overview】

Company Name: AI Avatar Co,.Ltd.

Representative: Ichiro Kato

URL: https://jp.aiavatar.fun/

Location: 20F Pacific Century Marunouchi, 1-11-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Business Description: Development/Operation/Sales of AI-powered consumer products

Official Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aiavatarjapan

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiavatar_japan/

X: https://x.com/aiavatar_japan

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTrSAg9bcBaCO6SVoRVPa5Q

2026-02-12
AI AVATAR PTE. LTD

Dear Valued Customers,

We’re making our call/chat experience more exciting for you. It’s been a while since you first discovered the world of AI avatars, so are you ready for something fun and new beyond the usual conversation?

From February to March 2026, if you’ve already purchased an Infinity Partners subscription, you can receive a special gift from six avatars: Aya, Sayaka, Kaori, Eri, Jin, and Shota.

To unlock the gift, simply interact with your avatars for the required amount of time during these two months. To keep things simple, your interaction time will be tracked and updated in real time, so you’ll always know how close you are to receiving your gift.

Eager to check out your gift? Simply click on the Gift Collection icon in the Avatar Details section.

As always, our team remains committed to delivering the most advanced and user-friendly AI assistant platform possible.

For additional support or guidance, please refer to the FAQ articles above or reach out to our support team directly through the app.

Thank you for being a valued member of the AI AVATAR community.

Warm regards,
AI AVATAR Team

– How We Build AI That Moves People Forward Through Support –

At AI Avatar Co., Ltd., we develop conversational AI rooted in a simple yet powerful philosophy: support should move people forward.

But how do you create AI that doesn’t just give correct answers—AI that truly engages with human emotions?

In this interview, we spoke with the developers at the forefront of AI Avatar’s creation. They share the design philosophy, experimentation, and countless iterations behind building AI that genuinely feels people-friendly.

■Meet the Four Developers Behind AI Avatar

Shinbo | Product Team Leader & PM (Left)

With experience as both an engineer and a product manager, Shinbo oversees overall product progress and team coordination. His role is to balance technology, user experience, and safety—making critical decisions to ensure AI Avatar genuinely connects with people.

TJ | PM & LLM Lead (Remote)

TJ leads development of the 〈Diet Continuation AI Avatar〉 and 〈Symbolic Personality Avatar〉, overseeing both LLM design and product planning. Drawing from personal experiences, he explores how AI can support habit formation and self-realization, translating those insights directly into product features.

An | AI Engineer & Bridge SE (Right)

An is responsible for AI and TTS development and serves as a bridge between the Japan and Vietnam development teams. Beyond engineering, she focuses on how AI avatars communicate, carefully considering user experience and cultural nuance.

Fukunaga | LLM Engineer (Remote / Appears as an Avatar)

Originally working independently in AI and game development, Fukunaga joined the project driven by a deep interest in creating “AI that converses naturally with people.” He now focuses on agent development and prompt design, crafting language that responds to user context and emotion.

■What Makes AI Truly Human-Friendly?

What separates AI that simply delivers answers from AI that resonates emotionally? Each developer shares their perspective.

Fukunaga

I believe “people-friendly AI” has two essential roles. One is delivering accurate answers. The other is understanding what words a person needs right now. It’s not about choosing one over the other—it’s about knowing which approach fits the user’s current state. Even when people use generative AI daily, there are moments when they don’t want an answer at all. That’s why, when AI plays a counselor-like role, it should grasp the situation, choose its words carefully, and offer language that gently encourages positive action—even if it’s just a small step forward.

TJ

For me, user-friendliness comes from fully internalizing the thoughts and philosophy embodied by an avatar. When developing 〈Symbolic Personality Avatar〉, I didn’t just replicate the model person’s words or behaviors. I focused on why they chose those words. By interpreting and internalizing that philosophy before designing, the resulting expression feels more natural—and users can sense that authenticity.

An

Accuracy and efficiency matter, but I believe fun matters even more. When people think, “This is fun” or “I want to use this again,” that’s when AI truly connects. With AI AVATAR’s custom avatar feature, there are moments when users see their unique avatar move and can’t help but laugh. That joy itself is what makes AI feel kind and approachable.

Guided by this philosophy, AI AVATAR aims to create experiences where AI feels like a personal presence, not a tool. In the app, users can interact with partner avatars or create Custom Avatars, freely configuring facial photos, voices, personalities, and speaking styles. Through everyday conversation—whether as a trusted confidant or a personal alter ego—we aim to foster positive emotions and self-affirmation.

Reference: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000022.000128303.html

■Turning “Being There” into Technology

How do you translate the feeling of being there into code? The team shares concrete approaches.

Fukunaga

Simply receiving a user’s words isn’t enough. The same sentence can convey completely different emotions depending on context or tone. Humans unconsciously read pauses, emotions, and subtle cues. Our challenge is capturing these unspoken elements, verbalizing them, and passing them to the AI. Japanese conversation, for example, often avoids direct references like “you.” Carefully observing everyday speech and turning unconscious nuances into design elements is the first step toward making AI feel human.

TJ

We prioritize “no waiting” and “no discomfort.” That means relentless optimization—response speed, context-aware model selection, and flexible architecture that evolves with user feedback. For instance, 〈Symbolic Personality Avatar〉 initially returned stored knowledge directly. Based on feedback, we shifted its tone to one that naturally accompanies the user without overthinking. The response since launch has been overwhelmingly positive.

An

To truly accompany users, AI AVATAR doesn’t rely solely on the current conversation. It weaves in past interactions, allowing users to feel genuinely seen. In voice conversations, interjections like “Hmm” or “I see” are critical. These subtle cues express attentive listening. After implementing them, user reactions confirmed it was worth the effort.

Shinbo

What humans do unconsciously is incredibly difficult to recreate with technology. Even a single interjection can feel wrong if it’s mistimed. That’s why we constantly ask, “Is this response right for this moment?” AI avatar development is an ongoing cycle of interpretation, response, review, and refinement.

■Building Trust: Safety and Privacy by Design

Ensuring users feel safe is non-negotiable.

TJ

To be a place where users can share their true thoughts, security and output safety are our highest priorities. We continuously test against official guidelines and the latest research to handle malicious inputs and unexpected behavior. We also implement service-specific guardrails for sensitive topics and aggressive prompts, verifying behavior through diverse test patterns while balancing safety with feature improvements.

An

We handle personal data under strict compliance, including GDPR. We collect only what’s necessary, never use data without consent, and carefully manage acquisition, storage, and deletion—including removing data beyond defined retention periods.

■When Developers Knew They Were on the Right Path

Moments of validation come quietly.

Fukunaga

Direct user feedback is rare, but hearing comments like “the responses feel better” or seeing increased conversation volume tells us our refinements are working. Because there’s no single right answer in this work, even small numerical shifts feel meaningful.

Shinbo

My own experience with the 〈Diet Continuation AI Avatar〉 was eye-opening. Through daily conversations, I personally felt new habits forming. That convinced me AI can genuinely support human transformation—and that experience directly reinforces our product vision.

■The Future of AI Avatars

Where does human-centered AI go next?

Fukunaga

AI avatars will become like water—a natural, everyday presence. To reach that point, we must overcome the “it’s just AI” barrier and deeply understand human senses and unconscious behavior.

TJ

Beyond text and voice, AI will integrate into daily life through non-verbal interaction and practical support. Personalization, realism, and platform integration are key challenges—and we’re committed to turning technology into real products.

An

AI avatars will evolve beyond customization, adapting to individuals through repeated conversation. By lowering the barriers to action, AI can help more people take that first step forward.

Shinbo

AI avatars are shifting from tools we consciously seek out to presences that gently notice unspoken worries and emotional changes. Our goal is seamless conversation—understanding pauses, expressions, and feelings beyond words.

■About the Conversational AI App “AI AVATAR”

AI AVATAR is your unconditional cheerleader. It reads emotions in real time from voice tone and facial expressions, responding with empathy and encouragement tailored to how you feel in that moment. Our goal is to create a presence that gently supports you as you strive to become your best self.

Dear Valued Customer,

We are evolving the A2V app through a series of significant updates designed to transform your daily movement into a more thoughtful, health-focused experience.

Our vision has sharpened: we are moving beyond simple activity tracking to cultivate natural, sustainable, and motivating healthcare routines.

Beginning in early March, we will initiate a progressive rollout of these enhancements, introducing key features designed to elevate your experience from day one.

Following this initial launch, we will continue to introduce additional new features and enhancements, with the full, comprehensive version expected to be complete by May. Stay tuned as we unveil more details about these upcoming capabilities in the future.

As the app becomes more health-focused, Asset management and Art management will move to AMS. This helps keep your walking experience simple and health-centered, while giving you a clear and convenient place to manage your assets and art.

1️⃣ Health Insights — Designed Around You

Once you connect the app with your device’s health app (such as Apple Health or Google Health Connect), it helps you better understand your daily movement and overall condition.

Based on this information, the app provides personalized health insights and recommends appropriate activity levels that fit your ability. As you complete activities, the guidance changes gradually over time—helping you walk a little more when you’re ready, always at a pace that suits you. This way, you can build healthy habits safely, consistently, and for the long term.

2️⃣ Health Comes First — With AI by Your Side

The app is now centered on your health and everyday movement, with AI support and encouragement.

Experience frictionless progress monitoring with background tracking that captures every step automatically as you start walking, eliminating the requirement for constant app engagement. To complement this hands-free experience, your AI fitness partner stays by your side with timely encouragement and positive reinforcement, ensuring you remain focused on your journey rather than your screen.

3️⃣ Walking Is Now Available for Everyone

Previously, starting a walk required owning a Walking Art. With this update, you can simply walk—no Walking Art needed and no Start–End button to tap.

Once you connect the app with your phone’s health app, your walking activity is recognized automatically in the background. Rewards are now calculated based on the actual distance you walk, rather than being limited to a fixed 1 km as before—so every step you take truly counts.

4️⃣ Daily and Weekly Missions — Helping You Go Further

You’ll receive both daily and weekly walking missions, giving you more ways to stay active at your own pace.

• Daily missions help you build a steady walking habit, with daily goals set around 10 km
• Weekly missions support longer-term progress and help you stay motivated over time

As you complete missions, you can earn mission rewards, including gacha collectibles with different themes and topics—adding more fun and motivation to every walk.

Together, these missions are designed to help you:

• Improve your walking strength gradually
• Stay consistent with movement
• Build healthier habits in a way that feels natural

The goal is simple: keep you moving forward—without pressure, stress, or burnout.

5️⃣ Web3 Services & Art Move to AMS

All Web3-related services and Art features will be moved to AMS, making them easier to manage over time.

This helps keep the main app experience focused on health and daily movement, while still giving you a clear and organized place to access your Art and Web3 features.

These updates mark an important step in shaping the app into a health companion that fits naturally into your everyday life. They’re designed to make walking easy to start, easy to continue, and more rewarding over time—without added effort or stress.

New features are coming soon, and we’re excited to share them with you. More updates will be shared as the app continues to evolve.

Thank you for your continued support. Your feedback truly helps shape what’s coming next.

Warm regards,
AI AVATAR Team