Letters Delivered Across Time and Space

https://file.notion.so/f/f/f71944d5-b18a-422c-970e-7cf8b0b30bb0/e3b8ddd5-5eae-4103-bcda-060c36c31dc8/tegami_(1).mp4?table=block&id=2294fe2b-ba01-8059-adb1-cd8420a8c5dd&spaceId=f71944d5-b18a-422c-970e-7cf8b0b30bb0&expirationTimestamp=1752019200000&signature=RI3RciK4X2UTOfbkIShOrmh4EYVjCrV0JOOlqhHOlCw&downloadName=tegami+%281%29.mp4

Issue

How can we pass on the joy of receiving a letter to younger generations?

In an age dominated by social media and instant messaging, the culture of exchanging handwritten letters is fading.
To rekindle that connection, we designed an experience that begins with a spark of curiosity a letter sent from your future self inviting people to naturally reach for this analog form of communication once more.

Creation

A letter that travels through time and space to reach you.

We built an immersive experience around an exciting story:

Visitors input their name, age, dream, and a photo into the machine. Using AI, the system generates a portrait of their future self—taken during their imagined travels—and a personalized, encouraging message from that future self. Both are laid out on a custom-designed postcard.

While a short 30-second animation shows the letter “traveling through time and space,” the postcard is printed. The visitor then receives the letter and envelope on the spot.

We also designed the machine to resemble the entrance to a wormhole, amplifying the thrill of receiving a message from the future. Every element—from the system and hardware to the visuals and physical letter—embodies a sense of wonder and anticipation, as if it truly arrived from another time.

https://file.notion.so/f/f/f71944d5-b18a-422c-970e-7cf8b0b30bb0/cc4a1eae-b90e-47b1-8389-e4dee95c5b8d/mirai_movie.mp4?table=block&id=2294fe2b-ba01-8057-945c-cb8f14be6d7a&spaceId=f71944d5-b18a-422c-970e-7cf8b0b30bb0&expirationTimestamp=1752019200000&signature=DwoSU4LUvWsCkb7d7zyTaatqHhV_ufV3O_j8I2VBaZY&downloadName=mirai_movie.mp4

Technology

Design with Diversity in Mind

Combining new technology with the postal service’s desire to introduce letter culture to younger generations, and considering the international scale of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, the design targets a wide range of users—including various ages, nationalities, and wheelchair users. The interface is intuitive, featuring prompt variations that adapt to the user’s age by adjusting the tone and appearance of letters. The camera automatically changes its angle based on height differences, and the universal-sized casing ensures ease of use for everyone. Security is prioritized by implementing everything locally except for text generation, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Future

Generative AI Experience as a Bridge to Convey Culture Through Emotion

While generative AI often highlights convenience and efficiency, this technology also connects cultures and creates emotional impact. This approach extends beyond mail and letters. It can rediscover the value of everyday cultural moments—like the excitement of turning a calendar page, the closing chime in a shopping street, or local festivals—that people want to preserve. The emotional power of generative AI aims to become a tool that transcends generations and borders, passing culture forward worldwide.