#Japan #AI #Tokyo #Business Succession #Shokei Tech

Paving the Way for Business Succession with AI

UnitedVision LLC, based in Hamamatsucho, Tokyo, is set to launch its innovative business succession support model called 'Shokei Tech' on August 30, 2026. This new approach centers around the expertise of tax advisors, providing a structured methodology for initiating crucial conversations about business succession among business owners.

'What should be done first when considering succession?' This question is at the forefront of many business owners' minds. Shokei Tech aims to tackle this challenge by offering a comprehensive analysis of a business based on information gathered through a series of 30 insightful questions posed by the tax advisor. The result is a detailed, nine-page diagnostic report produced by AI, highlighting the current status and potential bottlenecks in the succession process.

The Importance of Tax Advisors

UnitedVision believes tax advisors play a pivotal role in advancing business succession in Japan. The rationale is simple; tax advisors establish close relationships with business owners, often consulting with them over many years on various issues beyond just taxes, including company performance and organizational changes. This backdrop places them in a unique position to serve as the starting point for succession discussions.

Additionally, tax advisors operate without any predetermined agenda to push specific services, allowing them to approach sensitive topics in a way that feels supportive rather than transactional. However, the challenging part often lies in encouraging business owners to share their true intentions and facilitate discussions among family members or potential successors. Shokei Tech is designed not to replace the tax advisor's role but rather to support them by extending their reach into areas requiring deeper exploration.

Starting with 30 Questions

Shokei Tech evaluates the business based on three years of financial statements in conjunction with responses to 30 custom questions. These questions are categorized into five vital areas: owner sentiment and intentions, company status and organization, successor and stakeholder considerations, assets and financial status, and any concerns or priorities. Notably, the questions focus on the owner’s perspectives, steering clear of technical jargon related to stock value or taxes. This approach is designed to elicit authentic responses from the business owner, helping to create a genuine dialogue about succession.

The process involves a 60-minute interview conducted by the tax advisor, followed by a brief AI diagnosis that produces the nine-page initial report. The report not only offers insights into the financial resilience of the business but also presents actionable items that the owner should focus on over the next 90 days.

A Joint Effort for Success

The complexity of business succession lies not only in the diagnostic phase but also in the subsequent actions that businesses need to undertake. Each company requires tailored support, extending from family consensus building to succession training and financial negotiations. Following the initial diagnosis, Shokei Tech connects businesses with a collaborative team of specialists, including succession planners, lawyers, M&A advisors, and others, to facilitate a more comprehensive approach to succession planning.

UnitedVision promotes a collaborative model where the tax advisors leverage their trusted relationships to open the door for discussions, while Shokei Tech provides AI-driven insights to substantiate those discussions, followed by the engagement of necessary specialists to ensure smooth execution. This structure envisions a future where tax advisors do not bear the entire burden of business succession, thereby promoting a more sustainable support ecosystem.

Engaging the Tax Advisor Community

To further the reach and effectiveness of Shokei Tech, UnitedVision is conducting training sessions for tax advisors. These sessions cover how to interpret diagnostics and effectively communicate with business owners—presently offered free of charge. Feedback from early piloting with participating tax advisors indicates an overwhelming interest in integrating Shokei Tech into their services, emphasizing its potential value in supporting business succession.

In terms of security, all diagnostic functions are managed locally, ensuring that sensitive data is never stored in the cloud. Moreover, all client and tax advisor data are handled under strict NDAs and automatically deleted one month post-processing.

Conclusion

Saoiri Tanabe, CEO of UnitedVision, highlights the salient aspect of Shokei Tech’s development as rooted in her personal experiences with business succession and extensive consultations with over 100 businesses. The ultimate goal of Shokei Tech is not to replace tax advisors but instead to empower them, expanding their ability to engage with clients on complex topics surrounding business succession,

In her words, “Every business succession starts with a conversation that goes beyond mere numbers. We believe that by aligning AI capabilities with the trusted relationships tax advisors have with their clients, we can create an effective support system that benefits everyone.”

For those interested in learning more about utilizing Shokei Tech, inquiries can be directed through the official contact form provided by UnitedVision.