#Japan #Tokyo #AI Management #AI CROSS #Hiroto Ebata

AI CROSS and Professor Hiroto Ebata Discuss AI in Business Management

On July 28, 2026, AI CROSS Co., Ltd., headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, held a seminar aimed at executives, AI integration leaders, and board members; the event featured a dialogue between Professor Hiroto Ebata of iU (Information Management and Innovation University) and Yuuji Kikukawa, the AI Evangelist at AI CROSS. This discussion revolved around the utilization of AI in business management and practical insights in aligning AI technology with strategic decision-making.

Background of the Seminar

AI CROSS has been a strong proponent of incorporating AI technologies, especially generative AI, into corporate operations. In 2025, they appointed Yuuji Kikukawa as an AI Evangelist to enhance the dissemination of practical knowledge both internally and externally. However, many executives still grapple with the challenge of how to position AI as a tool for informed business decisions. This seminar aimed to provide a platform to discuss these issues with Professor Ebata, who has been involved in transforming corporate management through digital transformation (DX) initiatives and sharing Chief Digital Officer (CDO) experiences across various enterprises.

Seminar Overview: A Snapshot of the Day

During the dialogue, Kikukawa shared AI CROSS's achievements in generative AI and specific case studies from companies that have effectively integrated AI tools at the executive level. In contrast, Professor Ebata provided his insights on organizational transformation and culture-building within companies he has consulted for.

A particularly striking concept presented by Professor Ebata was that organizations ought to be structured so that people can effectively utilize them, rather than the traditional view where organizations merely utilize their human resources. Both speakers agreed that the level of involvement from top executives can significantly influence outcomes, supported by data from a study conducted by Persol Research Institute.

As the discussion progressed, attendees raised lively questions about emerging management challenges, such as the new organizational structures that involve individuals collaborating with multiple AI agents and the escalating importance of token management as AI applications become more integrated into business operations.

Commentary from the Speakers

Professor Hiroto Ebata

During the seminar, Professor Ebata expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic participation from attendees, emphasizing that it was heartening to see so many engaged in discussions both during the seminar and at the subsequent networking event. He noted, "The true impact of generative AI is not merely to enhance work efficiency by 10% or 20%. It involves rethinking how we can restructure tasks previously handled by ten people using just one individual and several AI agents. It is critical to reform both business operations and organizational frameworks with AI as a foundational element."

Ebata remarked that the commitment to embracing AI among participating companies could foster productivity and lead to new value creation, ultimately benefiting Japan's economic growth as a whole.

Yuuji Kikukawa

Kikukawa reinforced that integrating AI into a business isn't merely another IT initiative to distribute tools but fundamentally reshaping management. He stated, "It is essential for executives to engage with AI, understand its implications, and clearly communicate the direction through their actions. Operational teams must collaborate to cultivate the organization’s growth, while decisions about reinvesting efficiencies gained from AI should be made beforehand."

He argued that AI isn't intended to reduce the workforce but to expand human potential, transforming tacit knowledge and data into assets for the company. Encouraging a culture of learning and acceptance of failure is crucial for transitioning from merely using AI toward becoming an organization fundamentally transformed by AI.

Future Prospects

Moving forward, AI CROSS will continue conducting seminars and discussions aimed at deepening executive understanding of AI's role in business management. They welcome inquiries for press coverage and collaboration opportunities.

Contact Information for AI CROSS:
Company Name: AI CROSS, Inc. (Securities Code: 4476)
CEO: Noriko Harada
Location: 20F Shiroyama Trust Tower, 4-3-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Founded: March 2015
Business Focus: Smart messaging services, marketing solutions, AI transformation.
Website: AI CROSS

With its innovative approach and insights, AI CROSS is paving the way for a future where AI is at the core of strategic management in companies, fostering a culture of adaptability and forward-thinking.