The Last Chance for Japanese Agriculture to Embrace AgriTech and AI Technologies

The agricultural sector in Japan is at a pivotal moment as the AI Data Company prepares to host the AI Agent x AI/DX Forum on September 25, 2025. This event will take place at the prestigious Nikkei Conference Room in Otemachi, Tokyo, and aims to tackle significant challenges and opportunities within the realm of AgriTech, particularly focusing on the implementation of AI and digital transformation (DX) in the industry.

Current State of the Agricultural Market in Japan and Worldwide

Japan's agricultural output is valued between 9 to 10 trillion yen, making it a foundational industry for the nation’s economy and livelihoods. However, Japan lags behind various other industries in terms of digital transformation. As global AgriTech markets continue to expand rapidly, the question arises as to whether Japanese agriculture can keep up, which is essential for ensuring food security and enhancing agricultural competitiveness in the country.

Challenges Faced by the Agricultural Sector

Numerous socio-economic challenges plague the agricultural landscape in Japan, including:

- Labor Shortages and Aging Population: Many farmers are aged 67 or older, hampering the expansion of cultivation areas due to a lack of available labor.
- Increasing Uncertainty due to Climate Change: Erratic weather patterns and unexpected pestilence are becoming more common, relying excessively on experience poses significant risks.
- Import Dependency Risks: There’s a pressing need to transition resources towards high-value negotiation and M&A operations.
- Social Value Concerns: With a food self-sufficiency rate of around 38%, Japan's agriculture is fragile, vulnerable to global export regulations and international relations.

The Last Chance for Solutions through AI and DX

It has become imperative to digitize and utilize AI solutions before the wisdom of experienced farmers fades away. There is an urgent need to monetize and archive accumulated agricultural data on a regional and national level for future generations. The forum encourages exploring what AI and DX technologies can deliver as