According to a recent survey conducted by Teikoku Databank Ltd. , less than 20 percent of Japanese companies are currently using generative artificial intelligence (AI) in their operations. The primary reason for this low adoption rate is the concern over insufficient internal expertise. Japanese firms also express worries about the reliability of generative AI as a tool for improving business efficiency. Out of the 4, 705 small and medium-sized enterprises surveyed, only 17. 3 percent reported using generative AI. While 26. 8 percent are considering its adoption, 48. 4 percent have no plans to implement the technology. The survey revealed that 54. 1 percent of respondents consider the shortage of skilled staff and operational know-how to be their biggest issue.

Additionally, 41. 1 percent have doubts regarding the accuracy of AI-generated content, and 39. 1 percent are uncertain about which tasks would benefit from AI integration. Companies also raised concerns about establishing internal rules to handle responsibility in the event of AI-related problems, as well as legal matters like copyright and privacy protection. The risk of information leaks was also identified as a worry. Among the enterprises currently using generative AI, only 19. 5 percent have established clear guidelines for its usage, indicating that many have not fully prepared for its implementation. The survey found that the most common use of generative AI is information gathering, with 59. 9 percent of companies employing it for that purpose. Other common tasks include text summarization and brainstorming during project planning. With 86. 7 percent of businesses that have adopted AI reporting positive outcomes, Yohei Sadaka, an official of Teikoku Databank, expects more companies to embrace the technology as it continues to rapidly evolve. Sadaka emphasized the importance of understanding the associated risks and establishing clear internal guidelines for effective AI utilization. The survey was conducted from June 14 to July 5.