#Japan #Generative AI #Tokyo #HR Practices #Money Forward

Introduction

In an era where technology advances rapidly, the integration of generative AI into various sectors has become prevalent. A recent study conducted by Money Forward provides an in-depth look into how generative AI is being utilized in the field of Human Resources (HR) and labor management. The survey targeted 844 professionals engaged in HR activities in July 2026, revealing insightful statistics about the current state of AI application in this critical sector.

Key Findings from the Survey

Prevalence of Generative AI Adoption

The findings indicate that nearly half of the respondents (49.9%) are currently utilizing generative AI in their HR operations, overshadowing the 32.8% of respondents who reported no adoption. This suggests a substantial shift towards technological integration in HR management, particularly in areas involving sensitive personal data.

Adoption Rate by Company Size

Examining the adoption rates based on company size reveals significant disparities. For businesses with fewer than 10 employees, the adoption is a modest 26.3%. In contrast, companies with over 1,001 employees show an impressive 78.3% adoption rate, highlighting a stark contrast between smaller and larger organizations. Companies with over 101 employees are increasingly implementing systems and support structures that facilitate AI utilization.

Areas of AI Utilization

Among the respondents currently utilizing generative AI, the most common applications are administrative tasks such as meeting note preparation and summarization (43.2%). Other significant areas include the creation and amendment of internal regulations and manuals (39.9%). This trend shows a preference for areas with less direct interaction with sensitive personal data, unlike functions involving employee evaluations or recruitment decisions, which remain less common (around 30%).

Positive Outcomes and Future Investment Plans

The survey participants identified key benefits from AI integration, primarily a reduction in costs (41.6%). Many organizations reported improvements in alleviating manpower shortages and easing administrative burdens. Encouragingly, 89.1% of the businesses intend to expand their investment in generative AI, signaling a strong belief in its value.

Common Concerns Among Respondents

Despite the positive trends, both users and non-users of generative AI identified three primary concerns: accuracy and reliability, a lack of necessary skills and understanding, and the risk of information leakage. Significantly, 43.7% of non-users expressed concerns about the accuracy and reliability of AI output, while concerns regarding skills shortages were noted more frequently by users, suggesting that these challenges manifest distinctly upon adoption.

Non-users and Alternative AI Applications

Interestingly, a considerable percentage (57.8%) of individuals not utilizing AI in their HR roles are actively using it in personal capacities, while 34.3% apply it in other internal organizational tasks. This indicates that the barrier to AI adoption in HR may stem more from the nature of the tasks rather than a complete resistance to technology.

Expert Commentary

Daiki Kanematsu, Head of Human Resources at Money Forward, commented on the findings, emphasizing the growing normalization of AI in HR tasks. He pointed out that while AI's adoption in labor management is progressing, issues related to accuracy and skill deficits remain significant hurdles. He stressed the importance of establishing operational guidelines that encourage double-checking AI outputs, significantly in labor contexts where precision is paramount.

He also highlighted the necessity for organizations to create environments tailored to specific company sizes to enhance the value-added capabilities of HR decision-making processes through AI technology, beyond merely improving operational efficiencies.

Conclusion

The study conducted by Money Forward sheds light on the evolving landscape of AI utilization in HR fields. With nearly 50% adoption among surveyed HR professionals, it is clear that generative AI is on the verge of becoming a standard component of HR infrastructures. By addressing the common challenges identified in the study, organizations can foster a healthier relationship with AI technologies, ensuring that they not only enhance efficiency but also drive informed value creation in human resource management.