Japanese SMEs Gather for AI Adoption Seminars and Webinar

In June 2026, 160 small‑business owners attended a 60‑minute session on practical AI use at the Kyoto Economic Center, where Hamakikaku’s representative explained how AI can serve as a "mid‑level employee awaiting instruction" and highlighted the need for clear managerial prompts. A follow‑up poll showed 64 % of participants already use AI regularly, though only 36 % have corporate plans, raising concerns about shadow AI and data leakage.

From July to August 2026, a four‑part “real‑world AI” series was held in Sapporo, combining a free introductory session with three paid workshops. The program, run by dott, targets beginners and promises hands‑on experience with multiple AI tools beyond ChatGPT, aiming to embed AI skills into daily business tasks.

On 29 July 2026, Vitalify hosted a free online webinar on the Dify platform, outlining the capabilities and limits of off‑the‑shelf generative AI tools and how Dify can address cost, accuracy, and customization challenges. The session was aimed at IT managers, business leaders, and DX officers seeking the next step in AI integration.