CURATED ARTICLES

To drive innovation, businesses should prioritize user-centric design, gain leadership support, integrate within the broader ecosystem, promote cross-functionality, provide focused training, and employ effective storytelling.

The business landscape is buzzing with the transformative potential of generative AI. But what sets top innovators apart in this realm? McKinsey’s latest deep-dive unveils the practices and strategies these frontrunners are using to leap ahead, emphasizing actionable insights for businesses keen on maximizing AI’s potential.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced in New York, plans to boost Japan’s asset management sector by creating English-only special business zones. Aiming to attract global talent and strengthen Japan-US ties, this move positions Japan as a competitive investment hub.

Japan is ushering in a new era of AI with its version of ChatGPT, aiming to better capture the intricacies of its language and culture. Spearheaded by tech giants like NEC and SoftBank, this initiative hopes to enhance global collaborations and scientific research.

Japan is gearing up to revolutionize its startup sector by enabling fundraising through cryptocurrencies and other digital assets, potentially opening new avenues for venture capital firms from 2024.

A new horizon for business innovation is unfolding, with Gen Z and Millennials at the forefront of advocating for AI integration, according to a recent survey by Adobe.

Uber Eats is reportedly developing an AI chatbot to enhance user experiences by offering personalized food recommendations and speeding up the ordering process.

Imagine an AI that can take real-time notes and even attend a meeting on your behalf, ensuring you never miss out on crucial points of discussion. These features not only streamline meetings but pave the way for a more productive and interconnected work environment.

…

By 2030, older workers will dominate with 150 million jobs globally. Japan, with its rapidly aging population, stands at the forefront of this shift. Bain’s analysis offers insights on harnessing the strengths of this demographic, especially pertinent for Japan’s evolving workforce landscape.

Discover the five key behaviors that make executive teams high-performing and how they can transform leadership effectiveness.

An insightful Harvard Business Review article sheds light on the first two years of a new data program at Kuwait’s Gulf Bank. It reveals vital lessons on initiating a new culture, engaging everyone, prioritizing data quality, and the courage required to persevere.

The Japanese government is crafting guidelines urging businesses to disclose data types used in AI training, aiming to reduce biases. These non-legally binding norms will align with best practices, and Japan will establish certification to ensure adherence.

Wakana Tanaka, LinkedIn Japan’s first female country head, emphasizes the need for a shift towards a skills-based labor market and adaptation to changing worker values to address Japan’s persistent gender inequality, supported by government reskilling initiatives and a move away from traditional lifetime employment.

Japan’s Port of Nagoya faced a ransomware attack, highlighting an increase in cyber threats across the country. Despite efforts to improve cybersecurity, challenges remain, particularly for smaller businesses and outdated technology systems.

ChatGPT recently aced the U.S. medical licensing exam and is revolutionizing healthcare processes. Dive into how AI is poised to reshape the medical world and enhance the patient-doctor experience.

An interesting article by NTT CEO Abhijit Dubey regarding the value of the Japanese approach to business compared to Silicon Valley. He argues convincingly for a future of business success defined by this harmonious fusion. It’s an enlightening read that is certain to broaden your perspective on the dynamics of global business.

Japan wages rose by 1.8% in May, the fastest pace in 28 years is an encouraging sign but still lag the inflation so real wages are falling. To attract talent in a tight labor market we expect further pressure to raise wages.

Exciting news in the digital world! New government regulations are set to open up the smartphone app stores of tech behemoths Apple and Google to foster healthy competition.

There are less and less excuses for not producing video content. Vimeo is adding AI to remove the dreaded ahs” and “ums”, helping produce scripts and even a teleprompter so anyone can setup a video studio.

In this article, Eat Creative highlights a select few Japanese brands that offer invaluable learnings for global brand and marketing leaders. Gain tactical insights and fuel your evolving strategies with their success stories. Join us on this inspiring journey!

A huge amount of buzz around the Apple Vision Pro, we have read lots of articles and this one from WIRED is one of the best!

Check out the latest BCG report on the 50 Most Innovative Companies in 2023.

The graph charting the rankings since 2005 is very illuminating!

Exciting findings from a recent survey conducted by the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry!

Interesting article on how the popularity of overseas online streaming services can impact the already weak yen.

Experienced neuroscientist and co-author of groundbreaking study on mind reading through brain scans and AI modeling.

Tech companies spent years developing AI in a behind-the-scenes arms race, but open source developers are quickly proving capable of catching up.

Great lessons to be learnt in this article…especially for Japanese applications which can be overly complicated.

Insight article from Harvard Business Review introducing 5 keys for planning successful change to drive digital transformation.

Potential lessons for Japanese companies in this informative article!

Japan and Ukraine have signed an agreement to collaborate on the digitalization of their government operations. This article explores the details of the agreement and what it means for the future of digital government operations in Japan and Ukraine.

A sobering but optimistic article from Gearoid Reidy on how far Tokyo has fallen as a financial city. Lets hope Warren Buffett is right!

Easy to understand article explaining how AI is lower the barrier to professional video production. Rather than spending months learning video editing Adobe is making easier for anyone to get their message across professionally.

Very thoughtful post from Japonica Publications explaining the current limitations of AI. Expect these problems to reduce over time though as translation models are making fast progress.

In person events are back in force in Tokyo. Despite the growth of AI the importance of human connection is vital. Here are some tips to approach events.

What is digital IQ and how can it can be raised within an organization?

Great summary on digital marketing in Japan.

A novel use of AI to counter “sushi terrorism”

The explosion in work tools using AI is exploding, learn which jobs are likely to be most impacted.

If Japan can harness the vast talent pool for digital transformation the impact could be massive.

Inflation is changing the dynamic of wage negotiations as Japan adapt to inflation.

The rise of ChatGPT is making AI much more mainstream and sparking debating of how the technology will transform society.

A somewhat dark but interesting article.

As we know lifetime employment at a single job is largely a thing of the past. While some employers may frown upon non-linear careers, those attitudes are quickly changing. Flexibility and diverse skill are increasingly valued.

Work styles continue to evolve following the pandemic, one popular is the four day work week as staff look to improve work-life balance.

Inflation vs wage growth is increasingly becoming an issue for global workers. The difference between countries real wage growth is quite vast over the past 30 years.

Data analytics is becoming more vital and accessible. Which is your favourite tool?

ChatGPT has turbo charged interest and access to AI this year.

Learn how AI could change digital marketing in this Forbes article.

Three well explained steps to build long term value in a recession.

This fascinating article explains the rationale behind recruitment decisions within the biggest technology companies.

While global IPO volumes fell by 45% in 2022, Asian volumes took the smallest hit accounting for 63% of deals and 67% of funds raised in 2022. Read more on the link below:

While virtual reality and metaverse gaming might not have taken off as expected there are many more exciting applications which are gathering steam.

TikTok has exploded over the past year and will grow in influence. Creating compelling video content should be priority for many brands in 2023.

Biopharma is a fast changing, this article explains seven trends to look for in 2023.

Meet Michael Aldrich, the godfather of online shopping

A great snapshot of how the top consumer companies are faring with increased consumer demand in 2022.

The Japanese government has finally embraced a concept called “Womenomics,” the idea, supported by economic research, that women’s advancement will improve the economy as a whole.

Reasons why pharma’s digital product launches fail

…

TOKYO — With video conferencing becoming an essential work tool amid the coronavirus pandemic, a Tokyo-based startup has developed a way to digitally make users look professional even when they had just rolled out of bed.

Usage of data and technology allowed Coca-cola to forecast demand making it possible to extend shelf life.

Fear of Digital Transformation: Why Do We Feel It, and How to Overcome It?

Japan’s core consumer inflation rose above the central bank’s target however, the overall rate of price has remained modest compared with other advanced economies.

Overview of what HR does.

hiQ Labs v Linkedin case brief

After years of data breaches, leaks, and hacks, MongoDB announced a feature that will allow database users to search their data while it remains encrypted.

How the next technology revolution will Impact our future.

…

These 5 hiring trends promise to shape hiring this year. Candidates who adapt to these practices now can set themselves up for better compensation and career satisfaction in 2022 and beyond.

How digital technologies are reshaping the healthcare environment for everyone to live their healthiest lives possible.

…

Coca-Cola has used Fortnite, an online gaming platform, to launch their new flavor. This move validates the platform as not only a space for gaming but also advertising.

Insights on the variance between smart and sustainable cities and why the differentiation matters.

The Japanese government’s plan on accelerating its vaccine research and development aiming to contribute to the international community.

…

How shifting mobile marketing toward a privacy-centric model has impacted marketers and campaigns.

Google is now working on AR headsets, hoping to ship the product by 2024.

Despite an abundance of open positions, the number of workers interested in remote jobs is outpacing the number of such available roles.

Numbers of SNS users in Japan and the world

How Browser in the Browser (BITB), a new phishing technique, works and the best ways to avoid it.

…

Six practical actions that can help companies build a top cloud-talent bench and operating model.

Article is in Japanese.

By cutting out middlemen and purchasing directly from drug manufacturers,
Mark Cuban’s online pharmacy can offer more than 100 generic drugs at an affordable price.

Tips for overcoming your design biases from Jay Demetillo, Grab`s Lead Designer.

Insights on what Digital Trend becomes more prevalent and what’s not in 2022

The Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare approved 16 products that will be covered by insurance for fertility drugs.

With the acceleration of remote work options, many employees secretly work two (or more) full-time jobs at once. Although they made more money, the strategy brings with it significant tradeoffs, including mental health.

Melody International built a telemedicine platform using an IoT fetal heart rate monitor to alleviate specialist shortage issues.

What healthcare services organizations do to address their increasing cost burden.

What the year has in store for consulting firms and their clients, and the key drivers of demand.

An interview of those who changed global business in 2022

Significant constructive effects of empathy

Tips and resources to help you choose perfect data visualizations for your projects.

How the grocery industry is transforming in profound ways in many areas: Artificial Intelligence, ethical eating, foodservice at retail, retail operations, shopper engagement, store experience, supply chain and sustainability.

Concrete examples of Digital Transformations which completely reshaped the healthcare industry.

account needed

Latest industry analyst predictions and challenges for the consumer products industry

9 Important lessons Netflix learnt in experimentations

How local business leaders are stepping up to adopt digital operating models.

Explanation on what a virtual network is and how to specifically build a virtual network.

New Heart Watanabe Institute started a “free online outpatient service” where doctors will read the ECG measured with Apple Watch in detail.

How companies can turn the Great Resignation to Great Attraction.

Digital workers’ attitudes about remote work, job change, and what their ideal workplace should offer.

JR East aims to introduce one-man operation on major lines in the Tokyo metropolitan around 2025 to 2030.

Four steps for leaders can take to best navigate the great resignation.

How online feedback influences sales.

Brand Experience: What is it, Who manage it and How to create memorable brand experience?

Funding information of digital health companies in 2021.

Businesses intend to improve management of customer data as their top CX priority after recognizing that it helps creating impressive experiences for customers.

Technology industry executives promote the idea that the U.S. government should invest in a “national research cloud” while some experts argued that the plan for a national cloud would help big tech companies consolidate power.

Vaccine vaccination status for each country

Companies who win the 2021 MEDTECH VISIONARIES AWARDS

Recent innovations in the world of data have made it possible to manage data more easily and efficiently

The difference of how the US and China are pursuing different strategies for digital transformation across industry, government, and society.

What digital trends in connection with UX design in healthcare we can foresee and what are some problems in healthcare that can be solved with UX.

Reasons why change efforts often fail.

Foods that we might not be able to enjoy in the next few years due to climate change.

A Japanese train driver is suing his employer after having his wage reduced by 56 yen for causing a brief delay.

How transference works in digital advertising.

Rethinking how they engage with their vendors is important for IT firms who focused on both cost reduction and value creation.

IQVIA launched AI-powered medical information contact centre expecting to improve the patient and HCP experience and strengthen brand loyalty.

Global pharma and biotech companies’ diversity policies

Americans are willing to take pay cuts to keep working from home.

Content of Cheetos’ TV commercial called “Can’t Touch This” that attracted great attention leading to a big sales in 2020

Coca Cola adopt Google Cloud as a data analysis and machine learning platform for streamlining the installation and management of new vending machines.

How AI is transforming the way we live, work and socialize.

Four patterns for companies to win Digital Transformation

Reasons why the shortage of human resources has become so serious.

Reasons why you should apply for the job despite not meeting all requirements.

Going green in the sustainability trifecta of the planet, profit and people will allow companies to improve their bottom line along and view sustainability as an opportunity, not a cost.

What businesses must consider and adapt in order to continue to thrive in this “new normal.”

List of the best questions to ask during an interview

Pharma IT hiring activity in July 2021

Introduction to THE MODEL: What THE MODEL is, Features of THE MODEL, How THE MODEL works and advantages of THE MODEL.

What young workers want from their employers.

Introduction to five sustainability startups that surely make our world greener with their new technologies and services.

Features and benefits of Ai Palette’s first product, Foresight Engine.