#Japan #Tokyo #AI Marketing #consumer behavior #Japan Direct Marketing

Exploring Direct Marketing in the AI Era

As technology rapidly evolves, the landscape of direct marketing is undergoing significant changes. The Japan Direct Marketing Association (JDMA), celebrating its 25th anniversary, will host its 25th National Research Presentation Conference on September 5, 2026, at the Digital Hollywood University Surugadai Campus in Chiyoda, Tokyo. This year's unifying theme is "The Impact of AI on Direct Marketing: Exploring the Balance of Value Creation and Ethics in a New Era."

The conference aims to address how consumer behavior will shift in an era dominated by generative AI and AI agents. It will not only provide practical insights into the use of AI in marketing but will also consider the ethical implications that arise. Participants include experts from major companies like Hakuhodo DY Holdings, FANCL, and Scroll360, researchers, and academia, all addressing vital topics concerning marketing ethics, customer experiences, and the evolution of fulfillment in a digitally advanced world.

A New Era of Marketing and Ethics

The conference will spotlight the transformation in customer relationships brought about by AI's capabilities. Companies can now analyze customer needs more precisely, delivering personalized services, products, and relevant information more efficiently than ever. From customer inquiries to product suggestions and support services, AI's role in marketing is expanding. However, as marketing becomes more personalized, ethical considerations surrounding data privacy, transparency, and fairness significantly increase.

How will companies navigate this intersection between increased efficiency through AI and the potential risks associated with trust and ethical governance? The upcoming conference will explore these questions comprehensively.

Key Presentations to Look Forward To

1. Ethics in AI Marketing: The keynote speaker, Seiichi Inotani, Senior Researcher at Hakuhodo DY Holdings, will discuss the new ethical challenges posed by AI-driven customer analysis and marketing. His talk will delve into how companies should structure their AI usage based on solid ethical principles.

2. FANCL's Approach to AI and Customer Experience: Kohei Sato and Kengo Matsumoto from FANCL will share insights into how they are using AI to enhance customer experience and improve operational efficiency, emphasizing sustainable customer relationships.

3. Scroll360’s Fulfillment Innovations: Takashi Takayama, Advisor at Scroll360, will discuss how AI is evolving fulfillment processes, analyzing how it can streamline the customer journey from ordering to delivery.

4. Academic Insights into Customer Behavior: Afternoon sessions will feature research contributions from award-winning scholars, discussing topics such as retail channel integration, customer lifetime value marketing, and subscription models, aiming to provide a deeper understanding of maintaining long-term customer relations.

Event Schedule

Morning Session:

• - Opening presentations and talks reflecting on the past 25 years of the JDMA.
• - Research presentations covering the effects of AI in direct marketing and customer data issues.

Afternoon Session:

• - Keynote by Seiichi Inotani on ethical challenges in AI marketing.
• - Special presentations by FANCL and Scroll360 discussing customer service and fulfillment.
• - Award-winning academic presentations on retail channel integration and customer satisfaction.

About the Japan Direct Marketing Association

Founded in 2001, the JDMA has been at the forefront of research and practical applications in direct marketing. By bridging connections between researchers and industry practitioners, the association investigates a wide range of topics crucial to understanding direct customer interactions.

We invite all marketing professionals, researchers, and individuals interested in the interaction of AI and marketing ethics to participate in this landmark event to explore how AI can shape successful customer relationships in the future. Join us as we embark on this crucial discussion tailored for the AI era.

Participation Details

The conference is free of charge, encouraging broad participation from academia and industry practitioners alike. Participants interested in discovering more about AI's role and implications in direct marketing are encouraged to register.