Why Japan's AI Adoption Feels Like a Slow-Motion Drama

Japanese companies are moving slowly when it comes to using artificial intelligence AI, even though the country faces big challenges like a shrinking workforce and low productivity. Studies show that only about 8. 4 percent of Japanese workers use AI at their jobs, which is much lower than in countries like the US, UK, or Singapore. Experts say that Japanese businesses are very careful and do not like to take risks. They worry that AI might make mistakes, especially when dealing with customers, so they are slow to let computers help with important tasks. In the US, companies are more open to trying AI and learning from any errors, but in Japan, companies want to see strong proof that AI works before they trust it.

Most Japanese companies only use AI for simple things like writing, summarizing, or gathering information. They do not use it for making big decisions or changing how the company works. In some places, like hospitals, workers still use paper files instead of digital records. The Japanese government knows that the country is behind in using AI and has passed a new law to encourage businesses to try it. The government hopes that more AI use will help Japan become more productive and keep up with other advanced countries.

However, some experts say that even when companies say they use AI, only a small number of employees actually use it, and usually only for basic tasks. Many Japanese workers are not very skilled with technology, and there is a worry that Japan will not have enough IT professionals in the future. Many companies also use old computer systems, which makes it harder to use new technology. Some big companies, like Kanematsu, are starting to hire new graduates who know how to use AI for things like writing emails and summarizing meetings. But in Japan, it is still rare for AI to handle complex tasks on its own. Experts believe that Japanese society prefers slow and careful changes, but if the country does not start using more AI, it may be difficult to solve its productivity problems.