November 5, 2025

Panasonic Connect Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Yasu Higuchi) announced the commencement of a proof-of-concept trial for facial recognition ticket gates on the Joetsu Shinkansen, conducted jointly with East Japan Railway Company (JR East) and JR East Mechatronics Co., Ltd., starting November 6. The futuristic ticket gates installed at Nagaoka Station by Panasonic Connect feature visual and audio effects during passage, delivering a smooth and exciting experience.

Background

JR East is advancing the “Suica Renaissance” initiative to evolve Suica (Transportation IC card) into a more advanced service platform. To transcend the ordinary act of tapping IC cards at ticket gates, the companies are exploring walk-through ticket gates. As part of this concept, the companies will conduct a proof-of-concept trial to assess the practicality of facial recognition ticket gates.

Panasonic Connect has developed a next-generation ticket gate that delivers strict security, yet stress-free, while enhancing the excitement of travel. This achievement leverages Panasonic Connect‘s world-leading facial recognition technology*1 and its proven track record in delivering and developing facial recognition ticket gates.

Key Features of the Gate

• World-leading facial recognition technology*1 enables authentication at natural walking speed without stopping or positioning one’s face toward the camera. This ensures stress-free passage, even for those with children or heavy luggage.
• As passengers pass through, synchronized visuals and audio effects within the gate create an exciting experience.
• Innovative design inspired by the Shinkansen and evoking a sense of anticipation for the future.
• Strict identity verification using impersonation countermeasure leveraging image analysis technology.

Through this proof-of-concept experiment, the companies will verify various aspects such as accuracy and presentation, striving to enhance the user convenience.

Panasonic Connect embraces its purpose to "Change Work, Advance Society, Connect to Tomorrow." By bringing innovation to the frontline, Panasonic Connect aims to create a sustainable society where diverse people can live happily.

 (Reference Press Release) 
April 8, 2025: Participation in JR East Japan's Proof-of-Concept Experiment for Facial Recognition Ticket Gates Toward Realizing "Walk-Through Ticket Gates"
https://news.panasonic.com/global/press/en250408-4
 September 18, 2025: Recruiting "Customer Monitors" for the Joetsu Shinkansen Facial Recognition Ticket Gate Demonstration Experiment
https://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2025/niigata/20250918_ni02.pdf

About Panasonic Connect's Facial Recognition Technology

Panasonic Connect's facial recognition technology combines image enhancement techniques honed over 40 years of camera image processing, and deep learning technology that learns facial features. This combination earned it the top global ranking in the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) facial recognition benchmark test (NIST FRVT 1:1). It remains highly effective regardless of facial orientation, aging changes, or factors like glasses and masks, ensuring comfortable use. The company has deployed systems utilizing facial recognition technology for applications such as strict yet smooth identity verification at airports, ticketless entry at amusement parks, cashless payments at stores, and IC cardless access control in offices. These systems have performed over 300,000 unique facial recognitions per day (according to Panasonic Connect research). Moving forward, the company will continue to pursue the world's highest standard*1 in facial recognition technology and ease of use at authentication sites. By integrating this with user experience design, achieved through repeated proof-of-concept trials with customer’s site, the company will contribute to making various authentication sites safer, more secure, and more efficient.

About Panasonic Connect's Facial Recognition Solutions
https://connect.panasonic.com/en/about/who-we-are/public

 *1: Ranked No. 1 globally in the NIST FRTE 1:1 evaluation results released on November 6, 2022, with a Mugshot (front-facing facial data including racial and aging variations. False Acceptance Rate of 1 in 100,000). Furthermore, in the NIST FRTE 1:N evaluation results (search accuracy) published on March 26, 2024, it achieved the world's top ranking in two evaluation categories: Mugshot (front-facing face data including aging changes. 1.6 million registered individuals) and Border (face data including changes in facial orientation and image quality degradation. 1.6 million registered individuals).

About Panasonic Connect Co., Ltd.

Panasonic Connect Co., Ltd. was established on April 1, 2022 as part of the Panasonic Group’s switch to an operating company system. With roughly 29,700 employees worldwide and annual sales of JPY1,333.2 billion (FY3/2025) the company plays a central role in the growth of the Panasonic Group’s B2B solutions business and provides new value to its customers by combining advanced hardware, intelligent software solutions, and a wealth of knowledge in industrial engineering accumulated in its over 100-year history. The company’s purpose is to “Change Work, Advance Society, Connect to Tomorrow.” By driving innovation in the supply chain, public services, infrastructure, and entertainment sectors, Panasonic Connect aims to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society and to ensure well-being for all.

Panasonic Connect Company, Ltd. Website
https://connect.panasonic.com/en/