As Japan approaches 2025, advancements in supercomputing, IoT, AI agents, and Intelligent Automation offer exciting opportunities for enterprises to boost efficiency and innovation. These technologies are reshaping industries, enabling businesses to stay competitive in a fast-evolving market. Let’s explore the trends shaping this landscape and how enterprises can successfully leverage these technologies.
Table of Contents
2025 Key Technology Trends in Japan
“Zeta-class” Supercomputer
Japan has announced plans to begin constructing the world’s first “zeta-class” supercomputer next year, a monumental step in computational power (Live Science). Once fully operational, it will be 1,000 times faster than today’s most powerful supercomputers. With an estimated cost exceeding $750 million, this state-of-the-art machine will be crucial for advancing AI and other data-intensive fields.
Significantly boosting processing speed will enable breakthroughs in complex simulations, big data analysis, and AI training, ensuring Japan remains at the lead of technological innovation. Set to be fully online by 2030, the supercomputer will drive progress across various sectors, from climate research and healthcare to next-gen robotics, playing a central role in Japan’s digital transformation.
Internet of Things (IoT)
Japan is at the forefront of IoT innovation, with advancements in hardware and software set to transform industries. In addition, The IoT market is expected to exceed $1.4 trillion annually by 2027, impacting manufacturing, healthcare, and entertainment sectors. (Bloomberg)
Key innovations include energy-efficient IoT power solutions by InQs, high-precision mapping for autonomous vehicles by Dynamic Map Platform, and smaller, more powerful semiconductors by Connectec Japan, which are essential for 5G and beyond. As a result, these innovations position Japan as a global leader in IoT development, driving advancements that will shape the future of technology across industries.
AI agent
An AI agent is a software program capable of interacting with its environment, collecting data, and using that data to perform tasks autonomously to achieve predefined goals. While humans set the goals, the AI agent independently determines the best actions needed to reach them (Amazon)
Fujitsu, a leading Japanese ICT company, has launched the Kozuchi AI Agent, designed to assist with high-level tasks such as business profitability discussions and negotiations. This AI agent autonomously participates in meetings, generates tasks, and provides data-driven insights, such as visualizations of sales trends. Aiming to enhance productivity and decision-making, Fujitsu plans a broader roll-out in 2025. With innovations like Kozuchi, AI agents in Japan have the potential to revolutionize industries by streamlining operations and improving decision-making.
Intelligent Automation
With the rise of AI, intelligent automation is becoming a growing trend in Japan. According to Expert Market Research, by 2025, Japan aims to attain 81% automation in manufacturing, making use of artificial intelligence technology. The integration of AI into automation is accelerating, with large language models playing a key role in advancing Business Process Automation. Gartner predicts that by 2025, 70% of new internally developed applications will incorporate AI or machine learning-based models. As a result, this shift will enhance employees’ capabilities and bridge the skill gap for knowledge workers in the next five years, helping drive productivity and innovation across industries.
Opportunities and challenges in adopting new technology
Adopting new technology offers businesses exciting opportunities for growth and innovation but also presents challenges in implementation and adaptation.
Opportunities
- Increased efficiency and automation: AI and intelligent automation can streamline repetitive tasks, reduce manual errors, and speed up operations. Therefore, allowing businesses to focus on strategic growth areas.
- Improved decision-making: Data-driven insights from AI and IoT can help businesses make more informed decisions, from optimizing supply chains to improving customer experiences.
- Enhanced customer experience: Technologies like AI agents and IoT sensors enable personalized and real-time interactions with customers, increasing satisfaction and loyalty.
- Cost savings: Automation can lower operational costs, while AI can optimize resource allocation, improving the bottom line.
Challenges
- High initial investment: The cost of acquiring and implementing new technologies can be a barrier, particularly for SMEs. This includes purchasing hardware, software, and investing in training and infrastructure.
- Integration with legacy systems: New technologies often need to be integrated with existing infrastructure, which can be complex and costly. Therefore, ensuring smooth integration without disrupting ongoing operations is a key challenge.
- Data security and privacy concerns: With increased connectivity comes the risk of cyber threats. Companies must ensure robust cybersecurity measures are in place to protect sensitive data and maintain customer trust.
- Resistance to change: Employees may be hesitant to adopt new technologies, especially if they feel their jobs could be replaced by automation. Managing this resistance and fostering a culture of innovation is crucial for successful technology adoption.
Next Step
Based on the opportunities and challenges discussed above, businesses must adopt a strategic approach to navigate the complexities of digital transformation. Here are some essential tips for businesses to embrace in this era of rapid technological change, especially in Japan, a country known for its innovation and advanced technology leadership.
- Phased implementation: Begin with a phased rollout of new technologies to test their impact on a smaller scale. This strategy reduces disruptions, helps identify issues early, and allows adjustments before full deployment. By spreading the implementation, businesses can manage initial costs and minimize risks, ensuring a smoother and more successful transition.
- Investing in employee training and change management: Businesses can enhance workforce skills and bridge talent gaps by offering ongoing training programs focused on new technologies. Additionally, implementing a well-planned change management strategy featuring clear communication, employee involvement, and continuous support helps ease the transition. This dual approach not only boosts employee performance but also creates a positive mindset towards new tech, reduces resistance, and ensures higher adoption rates across the organization, ultimately leading to smoother digital transformation.
- Choose the right partner & embrace agile practices: Selecting a technology partner with industry expertise and a solid track record is essential for a successful digital transformation. A knowledgeable partner can offer insights to overcome challenges, ensuring smoother implementation. Embracing agile practices further boosts adaptability, allowing businesses to iterate quickly, gather feedback, and continuously improve in today’s fast-paced tech landscape.
For AI and IA, akaBot by FPT is a standout partner, providing integrated RPA and AI solutions that enhance efficiency and reduce human error. With clients across 21+ countries and 8 sectors, including Banking, Retail, and Manufacturing, akaBot delivers reliable automation to streamline processes and drive digital success.
Conclusion
With Japan at the forefront of supercomputing, AI, IoT, and intelligent automation, businesses have a unique opportunity to enhance efficiency and maintain a competitive edge. Those strategically embracing these technological advancements will be well-positioned for sustained growth and success in the digital era.
akaBot (FPT) is the operation optimization solution for enterprises based on the RPA (Robotic Process Automation) platform combined with Artificial Intelligence, Process Mining, OCR, Intelligent Document Processing, Machine Learning, Conversational AI, etc. Serving clients in 21+ countries, across 08 domains such as Banking & Finances, Retail, IT Services, Manufacturing, and Logistics…, akaBot is featured in “Voice of the Customer” for Robotics Process Automation” by Gartner Peer Insights, G2, and ranked as Top 6 Global RPA Platform by Software Reviews. akaBot also won the prestigious Stevie Award, The Asian Banker Award 2021, Everest Group’s RPA Products PEAK Matrix® 2023, etc.
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