#Japan #AI Technology #Tokyo #Career Development #management skills

Unveiling Essential Skills for the AI Era

As companies and executives prepare for the evolving landscape of 2026, a recent survey conducted by Krais & Company has shed light on the critical skills that high-class professionals aim to enhance in an age dominated by AI and technological advancements. Under the leadership of Takahiro Maruyama, President of Krais & Company, the survey targeted candidates undergoing career counseling, aiming to unearth their perspectives on the skills pivotal for the future.

Highlights of the Survey

The findings reveal a significant trend among high-class professionals: the preference for management and strategic skills that are hard to replicate with AI. Rather than focusing solely on the ability to leverage advanced technologies, these individuals value skills that move organizations and drive business initiatives. 26% of respondents prioritized the ability to develop business strategies, while 24.4% focused on the skill of identifying fundamental issues and formulating insightful questions.

The Shift in Skill Importance

This trend signifies a shift in perception where mere technical prowess in AI is no longer enough. Skills such as moving organizations and leading people are now recognized as critical competencies. Alongside the aforementioned skills, 17.6% of respondents chose management abilities, followed by 13.7% valuing the application of the latest technology and AI in their work. This illustrates a clear understanding among high-class professionals that they need to operate at a strategic level when it comes to overcoming challenges and fulfilling business objectives.

Respondents' Motivations

Why do high-class professionals want to bolster these skills? According to the survey, 21.5% indicated that their primary motivation is to expand their career options. Two other critical drivers were the recognition of significant environmental shifts impacting businesses (20.1%) and evolving role expectations (8.8%). This awareness collectively reflects an urgent need to enhance skills in response to dynamic market conditions. Additionally, 19.7% of respondents wanted to raise their market value, showcasing their proactive attitudes towards career development.

Skills Hard to Replace

When considering skills that are least likely to be substituted by AI, 26.1% highlighted management abilities as their top concern, followed by 18.4% focusing on the capacity to discern core challenges and form crucial inquiries. Building relationships and networks outside one's organization came in at 17.5%. Interestingly, only 4.4% centered their responses on the application of the latest technologies and AI, indicating that abilities related to technology may soon become a fundamental expectation rather than a differentiating factor.

Analysis and Insights

As we look toward 2026, high-class professionals increasingly prioritize strategic skills, emphasizing the importance of posing critical questions and addressing the core of business challenges. This suggests a need to balance the use of AI and technology with human-driven capabilities in leadership and strategy. The results underscore the necessity for individuals not only to adapt to technological changes but to also envision their role in shaping future work dynamics and organizational structures.

Defining High-Class Talent

At Krais & Company, we believe that true commitment to work is driven by more than just salary or position; it requires a sense of purpose or “志” (motivation). Business professionals who work passionately toward their vision are much needed by various organizations and play vital roles in fostering growth for both themselves and their respective companies. Participants from our survey reported an average income of ¥12.04 million with an average age of 36.

About the Survey

The survey conducted by Krais & Company spanned from February to March 2026, engaging a total of 137 respondents. It utilized voluntary online questionnaires among individuals who underwent career counseling, allowing for multiple responses.

Company Background

Krais & Company operates under the motto "Transforming Career Aspirations into Reality". We prioritize the intrinsic motivations behind career choices, recognizing the importance of unity between aspirational talent and purpose-driven companies. Our goal remains to revolutionize the Japanese job market by facilitating meaningful encounters that resonate with high-class professionals.

For more information, please visit Krais & Company’s website.
Address: 2-4-1 Higashi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0021, Japan.
Executive: Takahiro Maruyama, President.
Services: Head-hunting, recruitment (License No. 13-Yu-040184), HR consulting.