Japan enterprises accelerate generative AI integration across diverse industries

Japanese enterprises are increasingly integrating generative AI into business operations, though challenges regarding implementation and workforce readiness remain. A survey by Yayoi Co., Ltd. indicates that while 60.3% of SMEs are interested in AI, only 12.2% are ready for a complete overhaul of their business flows, citing concerns over training costs and operational disruptions.

In the telecommunications sector, Rakuten Mobile has expanded its ‘Rakuten AI for Business’ platform, introducing new research and data analysis features powered by Anthropic’s Claude. The service aims to support decision-making by automating tasks that previously took a week into a single day. Additionally, Rakuten is preparing to release an agentic AI, ‘Rakuten AI for Business Workforce,’ designed to autonomously manage tasks using internal company data.

Other sectors are seeing specialized AI applications: Teikoku Real Estate has implemented a RAG agent to reduce tenant screening workloads by up to 70%, and Newsia Co., Ltd. has launched ‘Manga Studio’ to convert manga IP into short animations and book formats. Meanwhile, the AI Robot Association (AIRoA) has consolidated its research and development in Heiwajima to strengthen physical AI development. Across the board, the focus is shifting from simple information gathering to practical, task-oriented implementation to drive productivity.