New government data reveals widespread adoption of AI amid lack of expert talent
Three in four businesses in Japan are now using artificial intelligence tools in the workplace, according to newly released government data.
The Finance Ministry said 75% of Japan's companies are now using AI in business operations, surging from the previous 11% about five years ago, NHK reported.
AI tools have been adopted by 89% of large companies, according to the report. Mid-sized businesses and smaller companies also saw a sharp spike in AI use, with 66% and 65%, respectively.
The top uses of the technology include drafting documents, collecting information, as well as technical support and development.
One respondent in the report even noted that they are expecting to cut around 60,000 working hours a year by using AI to create meeting minutes and summarise emails.
Growing AI adoption in Japan
The ministry's findings, which were from a survey conducted between December and January, underscore the growing adoption of AI tools in Japan's workplaces.
A separate report from Indeed Hiring Lab revealed that 18% of employees in Japan are now using AI at least once per month in their jobs, with 12% saying they use the technology multiple times a week.
According to the Indeed report, 61% of AI users are able to save one to two hours a day by using the technology. Another 22% said they are able to save three to five hours.
Employees are also using the time they save from using AI in different ways, such as:
- More of same tasks (29%)
- Task quality/efficiency (26%)
- Work-life balance improvement (24%)
- Breaks or stress management (24%)
- Other tasks or projects (21%)
More AI experts needed
However, the Finance Ministry's findings note that organisations are reporting that they do not have enough employees with the expertise to use AI tools.
This is a gap that employees in Japan also perceive, with more than half of non-AI users (58%) saying they need more training, according to Indeed's findings.
In fact, even 61% of AI users in Japan said they are not receiving enough training on AI.
"Training needs are widespread and persistent: Even active AI users report insufficient training, indicating that one-time introductions are inadequate," said Indeed's report.
"Ongoing skill development will be essential as AI capabilities evolve."
