#SEO #AI Citation Authority #COOD Corporation

The Shift Towards AI Search and Its Implications for Businesses

In a groundbreaking report by COOD Corporation, the evolution of search behavior in Japan from traditional engines to AI-based systems has been clearly delineated. The report focuses on the findings from the annual survey conducted throughout 2025, unveiling the profound transition towards AI-powered searches.

The Conclusive Year of 2025

As of January 1, 2026, COOD has compiled the results of its in-depth survey examining the sources that AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity deemed reliable and trustworthy in Japan. The data reveals a shift where consumers began favoring AI-generated information over conventional search engines, marking a definitive shift in online search behavior. This transition emphasizes the importance of adapting from SEO (Search Engine Optimization) to GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), a concept that captures how businesses should position themselves to be acknowledged by AI.

The survey echoes trends presented by Visual Capitalist, showcasing that in this new landscape, traditional search engines are becoming less dominant as users increasingly trust AI for reliable information.

AI's Trusted Information Sources in 2025

The survey results highlight a clear preference for specific domains within AI’s citation framework. Not only does Wikipedia remain a stalwart source of knowledge, but platforms such as