Venus Fort, a shopping mall in Odaiba, Tokyo, operated by Mori Building, launched a smartphone app on June 1st. The app compiles basic information such as opening hours and access, as well as information on the mall's shops and restaurants.

The app includes a built-in floor guide and allows users to search for specific shops by category, floor, shop, or brand. It also provides real-time information on mall events, new products, discount coupons, and more. Anticipating demand from foreign tourists visiting Japan, the app is available in five languages (Japanese, English, Korean, and Simplified and Traditional Chinese). Future plans include issuing coupons and introducing point-and-click foreign language communication sheets. The app is free to download and compatible with Android and iPhone.

Located approximately 15 minutes from Haneda Airport, Venus Fort is already actively promoting its international presence, including permanent foreign staff and a website available in 36 languages. Aimed particularly at Chinese tourists, the mall is currently running promotional campaigns timed to coincide with peak visitor seasons. With the launch of this app, the mall aims to further improve convenience for foreign visitors.

The full-scale operation of smartphone apps at commercial facilities is still a new field. Other examples include Urawa Parco's "Parcoroid," and Machida Cranberry Mall's "Sunappin" and "Coupin."