#Japan #Tokyo #ThinkingData #DataAI #AutonomousAI

The Transformation of Japan's Gaming Operations by 2026

The gaming industry in Japan is currently at a decisive turning point. Once reaching a peak market size of approximately 1.36 trillion yen in 2017, this figure is projected to shrink to about 1.01 trillion yen by 2024. To achieve sustained growth during this period of reorganization, it is critical to move away from operation strategies based on intuition and pivot towards advanced data utilization methods aimed at "deepening revenue" and "optimizing operations."

The Rising Costs and the True Value of Data

Over the past decade, the average monthly operating costs of smartphone games have skyrocketed by nearly 6.7 times, coming close to an average development budget of 500 million yen. Within this high-cost framework, decisions made without data can jeopardize business continuity. Plenty of data has been accumulated, KPIs defined, and analytical frameworks refined. However, in 2026, the manner in which this data is utilized is set for a dramatic transformation. Traditionally, human intervention has been required to check, interpret, and strategize using data; however, given that decision-making speed can determine a business's success, the global standard is shifting towards "autonomous AI (AI agents)."

Data to AI: The Evolving Engine of Operations

The focus of the upcoming Meetup is encapsulated in the phrase "Data → AI." This indicates a direct connection between the valuable asset of "Data" that has been painstakingly accumulated and the next-generation engines represented by AI agents. ThinkingData will draw upon its history of supporting over 1,500 companies to define an irreversible evolution in data utilization. We envision a future where the limitations of human interpretation are surpassed by AI that autonomously thinks and acts. By structuring Japan’s accumulated operational tacit knowledge and connecting it to data through the latest MCP (Model Context Protocol), a new operational model that autonomously completes the entire process from analysis to strategic planning and execution will be presented.

The Legitimate Evolution and a Scenario for Counterattack

Despite the evolution of technology, the fundamental goal of maximizing the value of data remains unchanged. This Meetup will share the legitimate evolution processes for how to incorporate new technologies like AI agents into real-world operations, thereby enabling "autonomy" in management. Together with industry leaders, we will delve deeper into this transformation.

Entering the World of Autonomy Beyond Analysis

On April 17, 2026, at the Onarimon Tower, a new standard will be set as Japan’s gaming operations aim once again to lead the world.

Event Overview

Event Name: Data→AI Meetup 2026 – Build Authentic AI Agent Teams from Data!

Date and Time:

• - April 17, 2026 (Friday)
• - Sessions from 1 PM to 6 PM
• - After-Party from 6 PM

Venue: Bell Salle Onarimon Tower, 3F & 4F, Sumitomo Realty & Development Onarimon Tower, 1-1-1 Shiba Koen, Minato-ku, Tokyo.

• - Direct access from Toei Mita Line "Onarimon Station" Exit A3b (1-minute walk)
• - 6-minute walk from Toei Oedo Line & Asakusa Line "Daimon Station" Exit A6
• - 10-minute walk from JR Line "Hamamatsucho Station" North Exit

Participation Fee: Free (Pre-registration required, limited to the first 250 participants)

Target Audience: Stakeholders in the gaming, app, and entertainment industries

Organizer: ThinkingData Co., Ltd.

Contact for Inquiries: ThinkingData Co., Ltd. Meetup Office [email protected]

About ThinkingData Co., Ltd.

Founded in 2015, ThinkingData Co., Ltd. is a data solution company with operations in Tokyo, Shanghai, Singapore, Seoul, and San Francisco. With a proven track record of supporting over 1,500 companies in the gaming industry, our flagship product, ThinkingEngine, integrates data collection, real-time analysis, visualization, and strategy execution into one platform. Currently, we are expanding beyond the gaming and app sectors to support all industries wishing to transform decision-making based on data.

Service Website: ThinkingData