#Japan #AI Seminar #Planbase #Takikawa

Transforming Small Business Operations with AI

On June 17, 2026, a significant seminar titled "Transforming Business Operations with AI: Learning from Small Enterprises' Success Stories" will take place in Takikawa City, hosted by the Takikawa Chamber of Commerce. The event will feature insights from Taki Kishi, CEO of Planbase Co., Ltd., and director Sho Amuro, both of whom have been instrumental in guiding medium to small enterprises towards digital transformation (DX) through the effective implementation of AI technology.

This seminar seeks to address pressing challenges that small and medium enterprises face today, such as labor shortages and skyrocketing prices of raw materials and energy. The aim is to demonstrate how AI technology, particularly generative AI, can serve as a powerful solution to these obstacles. Many businesses grapple with questions such as where to start with AI implementation and how to ensure these technologies become ingrained in their operations. This seminar will provide the tools and knowledge to overcome these challenges.

Context for the Seminar

As the labor force continues to shrink and economic pressures mount from rising material and energy costs, the business environment for medium and small enterprises is increasingly hostile. AI offers a promising avenue for these concerns, yet there remains a palpable hesitation in the field. Companies are still expressing uncertainty about initiating AI projects and struggling with keeping such initiatives sustainable.

Planbase responds to these concerns by delivering comprehensive consulting services, from funding assistance to minimizing back-office inefficiencies, and optimizing generative AI applications. The seminar will showcase real-world case studies and insights accumulated by Planbase while working closely with regional small businesses.

Seminar Agenda: Four Key Topics

The seminar will delve into four primary themes essential for the effective use of AI in small enterprises:

1. Importance of AI in Today's Business Landscape: Understanding why AI is crucial for small businesses at this moment.
2. Common Pitfalls in AI Adoption: Recognizing the typical patterns that lead to unsuccessful AI implementation.
3. Practical AI Use Cases: Exploring business-specific strategies and real examples of successful AI integration.
4. Steps for Successful AI Deployment: Guidelines for initiating AI practices tailored to individual company needs.

Event Details

• - Title: Transforming Business Operations with AI: Learning from Small Enterprises' Success Stories
• - Date and Time: June 17, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
• - Venue: Miura Kaein Hotel, Lilac Hall 2F, 1-2-26 Hanazono Town, Takikawa City, Hokkaido
• - Target Audience: Small and medium businesses (members and non-members)
• - Participation Fee: Free
• - Capacity: 40 attendees
• - Registration Deadline: June 15, 2026
• - Registration Method: Submit a registration form via FAX (0125-23-5252)

Contact Information

For inquiries, contact the Takikawa Chamber of Commerce:

• - Phone: 0125-22-4341
• - FAX: 0125-23-5252

Flyers and registration forms can be downloaded from the provided link.

Speakers' Profiles

Taki Kishi (CEO)

Taki Kishi holds a Master's degree from the University of Tokyo's Graduate School of Economics and is a certified public accountant in the United States. He has prior experience at KPMG Consulting, where he advised large corporations and government entities. Now leading Planbase, he specializes in funding strategies and operational efficiency through DX and AI initiatives.

Sho Amuro (Director)

Sho Amuro completed his studies at the Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo. He worked in business development for a healthcare AI platform at M3, Inc. Later, he founded MEJORA to assist large insurance firms and SMEs with data utilization and AI application projects. He became a director at Planbase in 2025, focusing on advancing DX through the development of AI for business planning and internal systems.

About Planbase Co., Ltd.

Planbase is a consulting firm that offers financial assistance and management consulting services tailored for small businesses. Founded on the principles derived from the University of Tokyo, they operate a support platform featuring AI tools, successfully assisting over 1,500 companies in grant applications, with a total of more than 15 billion yen in funding achievements. Boasting a team of various experts, including small business consultants and legal professionals, Planbase is dedicated to addressing a wide array of management issues.