Digitize urban regulations. Visualize zoning in 3D. Optimize designs faster. Built for architects, planners, engineers, and municipalities. Trusted by global leaders, tailored for Japan.

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Why DBF Hikari?

DBF Hikari is the fastest way to go from regulations to results.

Built for architects, planners, and developers, DBF Hikari turns complex zoning codes into clear design opportunities… instantly.

DBF Hikari was born from the challenges planners face daily:

DBF Hikari’s AI-driven platform addresses these pain points by:

Automating compliance checks (e.g., diagonal "bird cage" volumes, shadow studies) in minutes, not weeks.

Augmenting shrinking teams with an AI assistant trained on Japan’s building codes, reducing reliance on aging experts.

Unlocking $106B in trapped value by optimizing designs for maximum GFA and minimizing rework.

What Is DBF Hikari?

Smart Regulation for Smarter Cities

DBF Hikari solves complex building compliance during exploration and the design phase of a project. We digitized urban policies across Japan to help cities, consultants, architects, planners and developers to instantly validate a location or designs, visualize zoning constraints, and reduce rework.

What DBF Hikari Offers

Instant compliance checks that detect violations in real-time

3D zoning visualizations for diagonal limits, shadow analysis, and sky factor

AI regulation assistant to answer questions like "How can I get a GFA bonus?"

Document-backed analysis built with legal transparency

Reports are IFC/3D export compatible

Fully functional in Japan, adaptable worldwide

DBF interprets Japanese building codes like diagonal restrictions, sky ratio and shadow studies. It automates these checks directly in the 3D model.

Diagonal Restriction

Shadow Study

Sky Ratio

Where It’s Being Used:

Designed for Every Level of Urban Design

Use Case Tiles:

AI Scenario Generation

Don't start from scratch—start with AI-powered layouts.

City Scale

Piloted with Seikatsu Sangyo Laboratory for district-wide shadow and sky factor compliance.

City Scale

Piloted with Seikatsu Sangyo Laboratory for district-wide shadow and sky factor compliance.

Curious about it?

GET A Demo

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Shouichi SENDA, SENIOR MANAGER AT TAKENAKA

DBF Hikari’s AI platform enables us to design anywhere, with automated checks and suggestions for Japan’s complex building guidelines. 

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How DBF Hikari Works:

See DBF Hikari in Action (Demo Walkthrough)

Understand how DBF Hikari automates compliance

Site Import –

Choose a location (e.g., Nagoya)

Fetch Rules –

Auto-load regulations: diagonal, sky factor, shadow

Run Check –

Upload model → real-time compliance check

Visual Feedback –

See “fail” areas directly on your 3D model

Chat Guidance –

Ask what failed and how to fix it

Import/Export Results –

Compatible with Revit, Rhino, ArchiCAD

Frequently
Asked Questions

Common questions from our prospects.

Open all FAQ

How reliable is the compliance check and how often is the regulation database updated?

Over the last 9 months we have worked closely with Takenaka Corporation and Seikatsu Sangyo Laboratory making the outcomes precise and reliable. We further reference back original regulation documentation for the user to easily see and understand how the AI has made decisions.

Can I import my own design files (e.g., Revit, Rhino, SketchUp) into DBF Hikari?

Yes we have several ways to get started and bring over your designs to validate the compliance.

Does Hikari work in real-time while I design or do I need to upload the model separately?

Yes the AI is near instant at the moment and will be flagging where the design needs attention. In future updates we will be bringing in design capabilities for building massing, allowing users to adjust and maximise building design directly with compliance.

Can Hikari integrate with our existing BIM or project management tools?

Users can directly download various file formats to use in their workflows including BIM (Revit & Archicad)

What happens if regulations change? How does DBF Hikari stay up to date?

We will regularly check regulation changes as they are published.

Can I rely on DBF Hikari's results for regulatory approval or permitting processes?

We have taken the utmost care in making the platform as accurate as possible we do suggest to double check with relevant team members or consultants prior to making your submission. DBF Hikari is not legally binding and is for information purposes only.

Do you offer demos or free trials?

We offer free usage for the moment, as we progress with the technology new

DBF Hikari

AI-powered design,built for Japan’s building guidelines