#Japan #Tokyo #AI Agents #Helpfeel #KARAKURI

Exploring the Conditions for Winning in the Era of AI Agents

On April 6, 2026, Helpfeel and Karakuri held a joint seminar titled "What are the Winning Conditions in the Era of AI Agents? Insights from Silicon Valley and Japan" at Helpfeel's Tokyo office. This event featured keynotes from Helpfeel’s CEO, Isui Rakuishi, and Karakuri’s CPO, Tomofumi Nakayama. They discussed the shifting market dynamics due to the rise of AI agents, the strategic pathways for Japanese AI, and the knowledge strategies businesses need to adopt.

Background of the Event

This seminar took place against the backdrop of significant changes in the competitive landscape, spurred by Anthropic's recent announcement regarding a new AI agent feature. Discussions around AI's increasing importance have intensified, leading to the provocative assertion that "SaaS is dead." Companies now face the pressing challenge of integrating AI into their operations and determining how to leverage it to build competitive advantages.

Helpfeel is advancing its 'AI Knowledge Data Platform,' which integrates FAQ management, knowledge searches, and VoC utilization, thereby strengthening the foundational knowledge required for effective AI application. Meanwhile, Karakuri focuses on the customer support domain, having been selected for Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry's GENIAC project, where it is driving the development of domestic AI models.

Both speakers, having recently spent time in Silicon Valley, shared insights on the changing market structures relevant to the rise of AI agents, drawing comparisons between the U.S. and Japanese landscapes.

Seminar Highlights

1. Winning Conditions for AI Companies in Silicon Valley

Isui Rakuishi shared his observations from his stay in Silicon Valley from January to March 2026, focusing on how the evaluative criteria for AI companies are evolving compared to traditional SaaS firms. Rakuishi pointed out that businesses will need to redesign their models to account for the operational roles that AI will assume. In Silicon Valley, investments in AI usage fees have emerged as a new metric for evaluating AI companies, indicating a shift in business structure where 'AI Native SaaS' integrates these costs alongside traditional server and personnel expenses.

Rakuishi emphasized that understanding how much of the operational workload AI can handle and the investment in AI services will become crucial for assessing future enterprise value. He categorized the competitive landscape for emerging AI companies into three layers: the Context Layer, Security Layer, and Model Layer, with Helpfeel acting within the Context Layer, transforming disparate information into AI-ready knowledge data.

2. Can Domestic AI Compete with Overseas Firms?

Tomofumi Nakayama discussed the results of the third phase of the GENIAC program, evaluating the market environment for domestic AI’s competitive capabilities. He articulated three key areas where domestic AI can excel: 1) specialized fields optimized for specific tasks, 2) unique data domains where public data cannot substitute, and 3) sectors like defense, finance, and healthcare where domestic capabilities add inherent value.

Nakayama stressed the importance of Japan's 'on-site strength,' a culture of improving operations through practical insights, which he believes is integral to the competitive advantage of Japan-made AI. He highlighted the necessity of user-friendly UX/UI design for ensuring that not just engineers, but also frontline staff can effectively engage with AI technology.

3. Announcement of Strategic Partnership

In the latter part of the seminar, Helpfeel and Karakuri officially announced a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing AI utilization at customer touchpoints. Both companies will ensure a seamless introduction of their products, fostering an ecosystem that offers comprehensive AI solutions inclusive of FAQs, AI agents, and AI chatbots. Helpfeel will spearhead post-implementation support, offering operational assistance to clients who integrate Karakuri products through its platform.

This partnership aims to bolster the transformation of customer support practices and facilitate the societal integration of AI technologies, equipping enterprises with the necessary tools to excel in the evolving digital landscape.

In conclusion, Helpfeel and Karakuri are dedicated to advancing knowledge management, operational implementations, and design considerations that will help businesses navigate the complexities of the AI era. As they continue these efforts, the focus will remain on delivering integrated solutions that enhance customer experiences and operational effectiveness.

For more information about Helpfeel, visit Helpfeel and about Karakuri at Karakuri.