#Japan #Generative AI #Nagasaki #Dooox #Osaka SMEs

Discovering Generative AI for Local Businesses

On April 15, 2026, local entrepreneurs gathered at Dejima Messe Nagasaki for an insightful 3.5-hour workshop hosted by Dooox in collaboration with Osaka Small and Medium Enterprise Investment and Development Co., Ltd. This marks the third installment following highly appreciated events in Osaka and Fukuoka. With 18 executives from 12 different companies in attendance, the workshop provided an interactive platform to explore the latest generative AI tools designed to tackle pressing business challenges.

Why Nagasaki?

The inception of this workshop can be traced back to previous successful sessions, particularly the one held in Osaka in December 2025, which reported a staggering satisfaction rate of 99.3%. During the Fukuoka workshop in February 2026, many attendees expressed interest in having a similar event in Nagasaki. Listening to this feedback, both Dooox and the Osaka investment firm decided to bring the workshop to Nagasaki, highlighting their commitment to foster local business growth.

Workshop Overview

• - Title: Generative AI Workshop for Entrepreneurs
• - Date: April 15, 2026
• - Time: 14:00 - 17:30
• - Venue: Dejima Messe Nagasaki
• - Organizer: Osaka Small and Medium Enterprise Investment and Development Co., Ltd.
• - Instructor: Hiroshi Asaka, General Manager, Sales Department, Dooox
• - Participants: 12 companies, 18 CEOs and executives

The venue for this workshop, Dejima Messe Nagasaki, is known as a premier MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) facility. The session commenced with an introduction from instructor Hiroshi Asaka, who showcased the latest advancements in generative AI, demonstrating various tools capable of creating text, images, videos, and audio. Participants then engaged in hands-on activities where they not only learned but actively worked through their own company-specific challenges.

All attendees interacted with generative AI tools via their laptops, marking a significant departure from the conventional lecture-style format of many AI seminars. This hands-on approach fostered a more engaging environment, with participants leaving with a tangible sense of how they can effectively utilize these tools in their businesses.

Voices from Participants

Feedback from attendees reflects the workshop's impact:

• - "I always thought AI was something for younger employees. Using it myself changed my perspective; I now see its potential for making managerial decisions."
• - "Opportunities like this are rare in Nagasaki. It was invaluable to connect with other local business leaders while experimenting with AI."
• - "The time flew by in just 3.5 hours. I can't wait to share what I learned with my team back home."
• - "The pace of AI advancement is astounding. I want to start implementing it in my company right away to avoid falling behind."

These insights underline the value of creating an active learning environment where participants could move from theoretical understanding to practical application.

Launching a Short Intensive Program

Following this workshop, many business leaders expressed a desire for more customized experiences tailored to their specific operational needs. Responding to this demand, Dooox introduced the "Special AI Intensive Dojo," a two-day program designed for an in-depth exploration of generative AI, where two participants receive close guidance from an instructor. This initiative aims to help companies build dedicated AI tools and integrate them into their operations over a three-month support period, transitioning from theory to implementation.

About Osaka Small and Medium Enterprise Investment and Development Co., Ltd.

Founded in November 1963, this organization plays a pivotal role in supporting the growth of businesses throughout Western Japan. With a focus on investment and development, they also offer consulting and human resource development services.

About Dooox

Launched in June 2021, Dooox aims to support various challenges faced by businesses in Japan. Their initiatives, such as the Special CEO Office®, are designed to empower local entrepreneurs by facilitating new projects and innovations, including the aforementioned workshops and intensive programs.

For more information about the organizations:

• - Osaka Small and Medium Enterprise Investment and Development Co., Ltd.: Website
• - Dooox: Website

By uniting resources and knowledge, the partnership between Dooox and local investment firms not only enhances the capabilities of individual businesses but also strengthens the overall economic landscape of the region.