#Japan #Generative AI #Tokyo #Freelance Summit #Hitasu

Exploring the Impact of Generative AI on Freelancers

The Freelance Summit 2026, set to take place on February 7th, will bring together a diverse range of stakeholders to discuss critical issues facing freelancers today. Organized by the Japanese Trade Union Confederation, this event aims to address pressing topics, particularly around fair compensation and the impact of generative AI on creative work.

Leading the discussion will be Hitasu's representative, Ryo Hara, who serves as the facilitator for sessions focused on "Fair Compensation" and "Generative AI". Ryo has a rich background as an editor and has been actively involved in promoting cooperation and innovation within the freelance community since founding Hitasu, a company dedicated to empowering freelancers and enhancing their work environments.

Key Topics and Discussions

The summit is designed to tackle significant challenges faced by freelancers, with three primary themes to be explored:
1. Fair Contracts
2. Appropriate Compensation
3. Generative AI

Participating in this year's discussions will be notable personalities including manga artist George Morikawa, lawyer Kensaku Fukui, music union representative Manabu Tsuchiya, and actor union vice president Tomohiro Ikemizu. They will delve into how generative AI is transforming creative industries, examining both the opportunities and challenges it presents.

Format and Participation

All sessions will be held in an online format, allowing speakers to present remotely while being broadcasted on the official YouTube channel of the Japanese Trade Union Confederation, RENGOTV. This setup ensures that participants from various backgrounds, including freelancers, contractors, and those interested in hiring freelancers, can join in the discussions comfortably from anywhere.

Event Schedule

The event will start at 1:00 PM, featuring a comprehensive program that includes:

• - Opening Ceremony (1:00 PM - 1:10 PM)
• - Discussion 1: Focusing on achieving equality in freelance contracts using model agreements (1:10 PM - 2:50 PM)
• - Discussion 2: Negotiating fair compensation (#2 - 3:00 PM - 4:20 PM)
• - Seminar: Analyzing the trends and implications of generative AI in the creative sector (4:30 PM - 5:50 PM)
• - Closing Messages from various organizations (6:00 PM - 6:30 PM)

A Changing Landscape for Freelancers

The rise of generative AI and its fast-paced integration into various sectors has indeed changed the landscape for freelancers significantly. Alongside recent legislative changes, such as the implementation of freelance laws and comprehensive workers' insurance applications, this summit aims to visualize the challenges freelancers face and foster solutions through enhanced collaboration.

Freelancers, those considering freelancing, and organizations looking to learn about navigating this new environment are encouraged to participate. The event is free of charge, highlighting the commitment to community support and advancement.

As the nature of freelance work evolves, having robust discussions about fair terms and the implications of technology on creative jobs becomes increasingly important. Don’t miss the chance to engage in this timely dialogue at the Freelance Summit 2026!