#Japan #AI #Tokyo #ChatGPT #Claude

Rapid Adoption of AI Among CEOs: Insights from a Recent Survey

In a recent survey conducted by Comix Co., Ltd., a Tokyo-based company specializing in AI productivity solutions, a remarkable trend was observed among CEOs regarding the use of generative AI technologies. The survey, which took place from April 13 to May 13, 2026, analyzed responses from 100 CEOs who had requested materials or consultations from the company. The results indicate that a staggering 85% of these executives are currently utilizing generative AI in their operations, with Claude, an emerging AI tool, experiencing a 35% usage rate.

Background and Challenges

Traditionally, discussions surrounding the generative AI market in Japan have focused on the leading tool, ChatGPT, while Copilot, Gemini, and Claude have been positioned as competitors. However, the survey reveals a notable shift in focus among CEOs; rather than merely deciding whether to adopt AI, their key concern has shifted to the selection of tools, their specific applications, and the extent of their use.

Key Findings from the Survey

1. Claude's Significant Rise:
- The data shows a striking increase in the usage rate of Claude among CEOs, rising to 35%, compared to external research estimates of between 6.4% and 13.1% in 2025. This substantial uptick highlights Claude's growing impact within executive circles.

2. Interest in Actionable AI:
- The survey also uncovered that 17% of CEOs mentioned Claude Code, while 10% cited Genspark, and 6% referred to NotebookLM, with development-focused AIs like Cursor and Codex mentioned by 4% of respondents. This signifies a shift from simply asking questions to AI towards entrusting AI with tasks like document creation, research, and operational improvements.

3. Expanding Areas of Application:
- When asked about desired fields for AI application, responses revealed a wide interest: 81% for data analysis and research, 79% for document creation and editing, 65% for schedule management, 63% for creative tasks, and 61% for meetings. There's a clear trend towards integrating AI broadly across company functions.

Expectations and Concerns of Executives

The survey illuminated considerable expectations from AI, with 95% of respondents believing it could reduce work time and costs. However, executives also expressed valid concerns regarding security and the risks of information leaks, alongside worries about the quality and accuracy of AI-generated outputs, with both issues cited by 63%. Additionally, 41% confessed to lacking confidence in managing prompts.

These findings suggest that while CEOs have begun to grasp the potential benefits of AI, the frameworks for operational rules, information management, and output validation are lagging behind. Implementing AI effectively necessitates a design for utilization across functions and a robust verification process.

Target Audience and Utilization Insights

This survey is a vital reference for business leaders, department heads, HR and training coordinators, and digital transformation (DX) promoters considering the integration of generative AI into their workflows. It is particularly relevant for companies contemplating company-wide deployment, security measures, and actionable AI implementations. Notably, 27% of respondents expressed interest in specialized consulting and support for AI integration, emphasizing the desire for tailored solutions rather than mere information gathering.

Future Outlook

Comix Co., Ltd. remains committed to facilitating firms in adopting AI safely and effectively through their productivity improvement support packages and corporate training programs. The company plans to continue analyzing utilization patterns and business challenges to guide tool selection, develop guidelines, and design function-specific usage plans that resonate within organizations.

It is important to note that the participants in this survey were specifically selected from CEOs who requested consulting from Comix, and thus do not represent the entire landscape of Japanese companies. Data from external studies may differ in demographics and question formats, so the results should be viewed as reflective of executives’ interest and actual usage as insightful indicators.

For more information or a free consultation regarding AI utilization, please fill out our diagnostic survey to register for an online consultation.

Survey Overview

• - Survey Period: April 13, 2026 - May 13, 2026
• - Respondents: 100 executives, including CEOs and directors
• - Method: Self-administered questionnaire via web form
• - Analysis: Basic aggregation for multiple-choice questions, extraction of tool names from open-ended responses
• - Comparison Sources: Public surveys from NoCresearch, ICT Research Institute, and Ragate.