#Japan #Business Leaders #Wakayama #Dooox #AI Workshop

Overview of the Event

The ninth edition of the workshop series tailored for business leaders in Japan has officially debuted in Wakayama, marking a significant step in the quest for AI integration in business practices. Organized by Dooox, a leading firm specializing in consulting for management issues, and the Osaka Small Business Investment Development Corporation, this workshop took place on August 26, 2026. The event has drawn in 10 executives from various companies, each keen to harness the power of generative AI to solve pressing managerial challenges.

Background of the Workshop

The rapid evolution of generative AI poses both opportunities and challenges for contemporary businesses. Companies, especially small to medium enterprises, often face uncertainty about how to begin implementing this technology. Feedback from numerous executives revealed a common sentiment of confusion regarding where to start and concerns about security implications.

In response to these issues, in December 2025, the partnership between Dooox and the Osaka corporation initiated the first hands-on workshop in Osaka, shifting away from traditional lecture formats. The workshop set a precedent, fostering a positive feedback loop where participant referrals influenced future locations, leading us to Wakayama as the eighth city in Western Japan to host this initiative.

Event Highlights: Workshop Details

Workshop Name:

Generative AI Workshop for Business Leaders

Date and Time:

August 26, 2026, from 13:30 to 16:30

Venue:

JA Building, 2nd Floor, Wakayama, Japan

Audience:

Business executives and management personnel

Participants:

10 Companies

Lecturer:

Riku Nagase from Dooox

Engaging in AI - Participant Experience

The workshop stressed hands-on experience. Lectures opened with Riku Nagase presenting the latest developments in generative AI and their impacts on business environments. Without being passive observers, participants engaged directly with powerful AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude, creating text, images, videos, and voice content using their personal devices.

Critical discussions on security practices, investment considerations, and practical implementation frameworks were vital parts of the agenda, with real-world examples aiding participants in making informed decisions about AI adoption within their organizations.

New Additions: Building Web Apps Using AI

This workshop introduced a new program where participants crafted simple web applications using generative AI, exploring a hands-on approach that afforded executives without prior coding knowledge a tangible understanding of technology's potential in streamlining their operations. This shift from merely having AI generate content to utilizing AI as a tool creator marked a significant evolution in the workshop’s offerings.

Collaboratively Defining Business Challenges

In the latter part of the session, participants actively worked on articulating their respective business and operational challenges through dialogues facilitated by AI. The process allowed them to translate vague issues into actionable items, ultimately resulting in complete conceptual outputs produced on the spot. This direct engagement not only fostered a sense of ownership in the learning process but produced applicable insights that participants expressed could be immediately beneficial.

Feedback from Participants

Feedback collected through surveys demonstrated overwhelmingly positive responses. Many attendees expressed a desire to replicate their experiences within their respective organizations. Statements included:

• - "I am eager to implement improvements based on AI efficiency in our manufacturing processes."
• - "I gained clarity on utilizing customer data to enhance our sales support through AI."
• - "I valued the approach of not outsourcing entirely but becoming an active decision-maker with AI."
• - "It was affirming to realize that, without complicated technical knowledge, I could start using AI today."

Future Directions

Dooox is committed to maintaining and expanding partnerships with local investment companies, chambers of commerce, municipal governments, and financial institutions throughout Japan. Our vision involves creating avenues for various regional and sectoral participants to engage with generative AI, strengthening its acceptance across the wider business landscape.

About the Osaka Small Business Investment Development Corporation

• - CEO: Toshinori Kobayashi
• - Headquartered: Kita-ku, Osaka City, Japan
• - Established: November 1963
• - Website: sbic-wj.co.jp

About Dooox

• - CEO: Ryosuke Kubodera
• - Headquartered: Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan
• - Established: June 2021
• - Website: dooox.co.jp

Dooox remains dedicated to supporting new challenges and fostering sustainable initiatives through its specialized service offerings geared towards empowerment and regional revitalization.