Strengthening Search Optimization in the Era of Google AI Mode
In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, Knowledge Holdings Corporation is leading the charge in enhancing search optimization through the introduction of an automated optimization system tailored for the era of Google’s AI Mode. On September 20, 2025, the company will officially add 28 new Japanese media outlets to its existing system, expanding coverage from 132 to a total of 160 platforms for businesses and stores seeking enhanced visibility.
Background: Google AI Mode's Impact on Search
On September 9, 2025, Google unveiled its new search functionality, “AI Mode,” available in five languages, including Japanese. Unlike traditional search results dominated by links, this new feature highlights summaries and automatic responses generated by AI, marking a significant shift in how search results are displayed.
With the arrival of AI Mode, conventional SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and MEO (Map Engine Optimization) strategies are no longer adequate. Businesses must now be recognized as “trustworthy sources” by the AI, indicating a shift in evaluation metrics where content structuring and external media placements gain increasing importance. The addition of these Japanese media channels is a strategic response to the challenges and opportunities brought forth by this new era.
The New Media Additions
The newly included 28 media outlets are geared towards services and applications that Japanese users frequently engage with. They cover a wide range of categories, enhancing the effectiveness of businesses in securing reliable sources for AI responses. Some notable additions include:
- - Local and Review Platforms: Ekiten, Local Place, Hot Pepper Beauty, Tabelog
- - Job and Lifestyle Information: Townwork, Baitoru
- - Finance and Payments: AMEX, PayPay, Mitsui Sumitomo Bank, MUFG Bank
- - Maps and Navigation: MapFan, Mapion, Maps.me, NAVITIME, LocSma WEB
- - E-commerce and Shopping: Amazon, Yahoo Shopping, Rakuten Market
- - Lifestyle and Mobility: Pokémon GO, Life360, LUUP, Hellocycling, DiDi
- - Media, Weather, and Video: Weather Yahoo, YouTube, ePark, Goo-net, minimo
These platforms facilitate coverage of everyday scenarios such as searching, purchasing, moving, and accessing lifestyle information, allowing AI to easily refer to these reputable sources when generating responses.
Effects: Synergy of AI Mode, SEO, and MEO
The addition of these 28 media outlets goes beyond merely increasing publication breadth. Key effects include:
- - Enhanced AI Mode Compatibility: As generative AI relies on multiple sources for quotations, the incorporation of these media outlets diversifies references and boosts credibility, enhancing the likelihood of being included in AI-generated responses.
- - SEO Benefits: Google’s search behavior trends toward favoring sources rich in external citations. Information appearing across several credible media outlets can stabilize and elevate SEO rankings.
- - Strengthening MEO: The inclusion of media related to maps and location services ensures consistent information is displayed across Google Maps and third-party navigation apps.
- - Citations for Brand Visibility: Increased exposure opportunities naturally lead to enhanced brand recognition and word-of-mouth promotion.
Future Prospects
With this media addition, the AXiY system now enables optimization across a total of 113 platforms, substantially evolving how businesses communicate their information in a way that is favored by AI. Knowledge Holdings plans to focus on:
- - Strengthening responses to AI search (AI Mode/AII Overview)
- - Maximizing synergy with SEO/MEO
- - Expanding collaboration with major media outlets both domestically and internationally
These efforts demonstrate Knowledge Holdings' commitment to supporting businesses through this transformative time by ensuring they adapt seamlessly to the digital age’s requirements for information structuring.
Success Stories from Implementing Companies
Several sectors have already reported clear results from adopting the AXiY system:
- - Tokyo’s Restaurant A: After increased visibility from AI-generated searches such as “recommended○○ restaurant,” the establishment rose to the top of search rankings within three months of opening, significantly enhancing customer acquisition.
- - Okinawa’s Rental Car Company B: By automating the reflection of their Instagram posts on Google Maps and their website, operational workloads were reduced by about 75%, leading to an increase in inquiries through online channels.
- - Tokyo’s Bar C: Their cross-platform optimization effort led to increased visibility in local and industry-specific searches, boosting customer visits and reviews.
Contact and Consultation Information
To learn more or receive a free consultation regarding the AXiY system, interested parties can reach out via:
Businesses and agencies interested in partnership opportunities are also encouraged to inquire about various support and collaboration options available with AXiY.
The managing director, Michikawauchi Tomoshi, envisions a future where the criteria for search results will shift from being human-centric to AI-determined, highlighting the necessity for businesses to adapt under these changing conditions.