AI-driven management trends emerge in Japan

Developments in Japan highlight a shift toward AI-integrated management and human resources. Tomohiro Kida, representative of Symmetry Japan, Inc., has proposed a new model for managers in the generative AI era. Rather than competing with subordinates on technical AI knowledge, Kida suggests managers act as “curators” who translate AI usage into organizational results. He advocates for managers to observe how subordinates use AI tools directly and utilizes AI as a role-playing partner to help leaders practice difficult interpersonal dialogues.

In a related advancement in HR technology, mento Inc.’s “mento Management AI” has received the Excellence Award in the Professional Human Resource Development and Training category at the HR Award 2026. The service aims to alleviate manager workload by using an AI coach to facilitate weekly 15-minute sessions for team members. This process generates weekly reports that allow managers to identify necessary follow-ups and employee sentiment that might not emerge during standard one-on-one meetings.