#Japan #Tokyo #AI Advisor #Takita Shoten #Buddhist Furnishings

Takita Shoten’s Innovative Step into the Future

Founded in the second year of the Taisho period (1913), Takita Shoten is a long-established Buddhist altar shop located in Asakusa, Tokyo. As the demand for online shopping rises, the company is integrating cutting-edge technology to blend tradition with innovation. Starting from October 10, 2025, Takita Shoten will offer an AI Advisor service aimed at providing customers with personalized support through natural dialogue. This initiative marks a significant step forward in adapting to the evolving needs of their clientele.

The Journey to AI Integration

With more than 20 years of experience in operating their online shop, Takita Shoten understands the importance of delivering high-quality consultation experiences, regardless of whether customers are shopping online or in-store. Recognizing that customers seek an experience akin to personal consultations, the company identified the limitations of traditional customer support methods. Phone assistance was restricted to business hours from 9 AM to 6 PM, and email responses often involved prolonged waiting periods.

To overcome these challenges, Takita Shoten took the bold decision to develop a conversational AI service capable of providing immediate customer interaction, eliminating wait times and enabling seamless consultation at any hour. Initial ideas for the service began in March 2025, leading to the commencement of its development in April, culminating in the launch of the AI Advisor.

A New Kind of AI Experience

Differentiating itself from standard chatbots, the newly introduced AI Advisor allows for engaging conversations that deeply understand the customer's requests and preferences. Here are the key features:

1. Knowledge Comparable to Veteran Staff
The AI has been trained on the entirety of the company's website, equipping it with extensive product knowledge. Its responses are designed to match the depth of expertise typically found in seasoned employees, ensuring that customers receive reliable information.
2. Accuracy and Verification
While the AI generates answers with high precision, there may be instances where inaccuracies occur. Therefore, customers are encouraged to verify critical information provided by the AI and reach out to expert staff for further clarification when needed.
3. 24/7 Availability for Instant Responses
The AI Advisor provides uninterrupted service day and night, allowing customers to engage at their convenience without any waiting period, leading to a stress-free experience when seeking information.
4. Customer-Centric Interactive Experience
By simply sharing their preferences, such as budget, style, or location, customers can receive tailored product recommendations through this innovative dialogue-driven AI, merging the security of in-store consultations with the efficiency of online shopping.

Towards a Future of Continuous Improvement

The introduction of the AI Advisor is just the beginning. The company plans to analyze customer interactions and feedback derived from the AI to uncover hidden needs and challenges, further enhancing the AI's precision and improving the website itself. Designed to autonomously learn about new product information, the AI will be routinely updated to provide the latest offerings continuously.

Future improvements may include a feature that presents product images alongside text responses, further enriching the customer experience. Additionally, this extensive knowledge base will serve as a training tool for new employees, ensuring that they provide the best service possible.

Service Overview

• - Service Name: Takita Shoten AI Advisor
• - Launch Date: October 10, 2025
• - Cost: Free

For those looking for a unique and reliable consultation experience in selecting Buddhist altars and related items, Takita Shoten’s AI Advisor is set to redefine how customers interact with traditional services in a modern world.