#Japan #Generative AI #Tottori #Dooox #Yonago

First-Ever Generative AI Workshop for Business Leaders in Tottori

On May 12, 2026, a groundbreaking workshop titled "Generative AI Workshop for Business Leaders" took place at the Yonago Convention Center in Tottori Prefecture. This event marked the first of its kind in the San'in region, aimed at empowering local business leaders to leverage generative AI tools to tackle critical managerial issues. The workshop was co-organized by Dooox Co., Ltd. and the Osaka Small Business Investment Development Corporation, attracting six businesses and seven executives from Tottori and Shimane. Over three hours, they explored cutting-edge generative AI technologies and engaged in hands-on exercises designed to address their specific business challenges.

Understanding AI In Japan and Its Relevance for SMEs

On December 23, 2025, the Japanese government approved the "AI Basic Plan," aspiring to make Japan the easiest country for developing and utilizing AI technologies. With over one trillion yen committed to AI investments, the focus on using AI to combat societal issues such as declining populations and labor shortages has become a national priority.

However, the reality for many businesses remains stark; data indicates that half of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) lack a clear strategy for utilizing generative AI. As part of their commitment to bridging this gap, Dooox and the Osaka Small Business Investment Development Corporation have organized several workshops across five locations: Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kyoto, and, most recently, Yonago.

A Diverse Gathering of Executives in Yonago

The Yonago Convention Center, also known as Big Ship, served as an ideal venue for executives from various sectors to converge. Tottori Prefecture, with a population of approximately 540,000, is the least populated among Japan's 47 prefectures, and nearby Shimane faces similar challenges. For many business leaders in this region, key issues include workforce shortages, business succession, and productivity enhancement.

Participants shared a common sentiment of interest in generative AI but were unsure about how to effectively implement it within their organizations. The gathering of executives across different industries illustrated a significant eagerness to explore AI's potential for driving regional economic growth. Dooox is set to further its initiatives in Tottori, having established a local office within the SANDBOX TOTTORI in September 2025, making this first-time event in the San'in region feasible.

Workshop Highlights

Workshop Title: Generative AI Workshop for Business Leaders

Date: May 12, 2026
Time: 13:30 - 16:30
Venue: Yonago Convention Center (Big Ship)
Organizer: Osaka Small Business Investment Development Corporation
Instructor: Go Asaka, Director of the Sales Department at Dooox
Participants: 7 business executives from 6 companies

The workshop began at 13:30 with an overview of the latest trends and demonstrations of essential generative AI tools. Attendees experienced various applications, including text, image, video, and audio generation, utilizing their own devices to engage with the technology hands-on. Even participants who were new to using PCs remained engaged throughout the session.

Go Asaka, who also serves as a supporter for Tottori Prefecture and an advisor for Tottori City’s industrial promotion, led the instructional segments. Following the initial demonstrations, attendees worked on their business-related challenges using AI, inputting their dilemmas and interacting with tools to create actionable outputs during the workshop. The experience aimed not merely to inspire but to equip leaders with tools they could implement immediately in their businesses.

Additionally, the instructors addressed critical concerns about AI implementation, such as security and information leaks, providing relevant case studies to ensure that participants understood both the excitement and the practical considerations of AI integration.

Feedback from Participants

Feedback from participants included remarks such as:

• - "This was my first experience using a PC, and I learned generative AI clearly and effectively."
• - "The specific applications of AI were enlightening, highlighting its viability for our business operations. I found the time to be extremely valuable."
• - "I appreciated the variety of generative AI technologies covered, providing insightful references suitable for immediate use in my work."
• - "I would love to join a more advanced follow-up session next time."
• - "I hope for more workshops in Tottori and Shimane in the future."

These comments reflect the collective thirst for knowledge and practical application regarding AI within these local companies.

Introducing the Intensive Two-Day Program

With positive responses from executives eager to explore AI integration into their businesses, Dooox has launched a short intensive program called "Special AI Intensive Dojo." Participants have the opportunity to receive close guidance from experts over two days to develop custom AI tools tailored to their operations, accompanied by three months of follow-up support to solidify their adoption of the technology.

This transition from merely "touching" AI to effectively "implementing" it into business operations is a system designed to build on the first steps taken in workshops. Participants can now look forward to a future where generative AI is an integral part of their business strategies.

For more details, visit the websites of both organizations or inquire about future workshops to engage further with the exciting world of generative AI.