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Laboro.AI's Groundbreaking Book on AI Utilization in Japan

On September 25, 2026, Laboro.AI, a pioneering company in custom AI development based in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, will release a significant new book titled "How Japanese Companies Can Profit from AI: Deepening Business to Increase Existing Earnings." This launch comes at a time when the potential of AI is on the rise, yet many Japanese firms use AI mainly to cut costs rather than as a tool for innovation and revenue enhancement.

Background of the Publication

According to a report from the Japan Users Association for Information Systems (JUAS), around 90% of companies implementing generative AI do so with the aim of enhancing productivity, while only 30% are pursuing new business creation. Despite significant investments in technology, many organizations struggle to see improvements in revenue and profit. The complexity of AI projects, which differ substantially from traditional IT and digital transformation initiatives, is partially responsible for this challenge.

The book categorizes AI transformation into three stages: cost-cutting efficiency, deepening business, and market creation. It argues that the greatest opportunities lie in the second stage, where businesses can alter their revenue structures by leveraging their customer base, data, and on-site expertise. By systematizing insights gathered from over 400 AI projects, the authors offer a comprehensive guide for executives and business leaders to pivot their AI initiatives towards generating revenue.

Key Highlights of the Book

1. Understanding the Next Steps Post-Efficiency: The book outlines the three stages of AI utilization—cost reduction, business deepening, and market creation. It emphasizes that the second stage, deepening business by maximizing existing assets, offers the most substantial growth opportunities, illustrated with practical revenue breakdown techniques.

2. Case Studies Organized by Impact Levels: Ten varied case studies have been organized into three categories: specific task improvements, improvements across multiple areas, and comprehensive structural changes. This format makes it easier for readers to relate findings to their own organizations.

3. Identifying Roadblocks in AI Projects: The authors provide insight into why some AI projects fail to deliver results. Common pitfalls arise from a misunderstanding of the differences between generic AI tools and custom AI, along with inherent uncertainties in AI development.

4. Clarifying Project Objectives: A notable concept introduced is the Minimum Viable Process and Product (MVPP)—the idea that the ultimate goal of an AI project should not be the completion of a high-performance AI model, but rather the integration of that model into streamlined business processes.

5. Dynamic Management Strategies: The authors explain 'vibrational management,' a method that involves iterative testing and alignment between business value and technological feasibility. Four withdrawal criteria provide guidelines for when organizations should reconsider their AI initiatives.

6. Building Necessary Talent and Organizations: Guidance on nurturing talent, like solution designers who bridge technology and business, is covered alongside structuring decision-making and AI organizational frameworks.

7. Practical Worksheets for Immediate Use: Readers will find two bonus worksheets included—self-diagnostic tools for evaluating business deepening levels and MVPP design workshops, aiding effective dialogue within teams.

Overview of the Contents

The book comprises:

• - Introduction: The prospects for AI utilization in Japanese enterprises.
• - Chapter 1: Tracing the three levels of deepening business to raise revenues.
• - Chapter 2: Reasons behind the failure of AI initiatives aimed at enhancing value.
• - Chapter 3: The concept of MVPP—prioritizing processes over models.
• - Chapter 4: Implementing vibrational management techniques.
• - Chapter 5: Cultivating competitive talent and organizational structures in the AI era.
• - Conclusion: Where the industry might be headed.

About the Authors and Release Details

The authors of this enlightening work are CEO Tetsuo Shiihashi and Solution Design manager Ryo Tanabe of Laboro.AI, published by Toyo Keizai Shinposha. The book is available in paperback, consisting of 191 pages, at a price of 3,850 yen (inclusive of tax). Interested readers can find further information and purchase options on Amazon: Book Link.

Upcoming Webinar

To celebrate the book's release, Laboro.AI is hosting a complimentary webinar on October 8, 2026, where CEO Tetsuo Shiihashi will delve into the structural analysis behind the question, 'Why aren’t companies making profits from AI?' Participants can join this insightful online event to learn more about effective AI project management methods.

Future Outlook

As Laboro.AI celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2026, it marks a new era of innovation, driven by the principles detailed in this book. The company's mission remains steadfast: to create a new vision for industries through advanced AI implementations, yielding measurable value increase for clients.

About Laboro.AI

Laboro.AI is a leader in bespoke AI solutions, committed to bridging technology and business while helping companies realize significant growth through AI strategies. Founded in April 2016, it continues to influence the landscape of AI development in Japan.

Visit our website for more information: Laboro.AI