As you begin your internship in Japan, you might be considering the possibility of moving your career to Japan. In the modern-era, Japan has cemented itself as one of the world’s largest technological and finance centers. During the 2020’s, start-ups have seen growing investment from larger corporations, indicating an exciting future for Japan’s tech industry. In April 2024, Nikkei Asia announced Microsoft’s 2.9 billion investment in Japan data centers and subsequent offering of AI-related reskilling programs to over 3 million skilled professionals. Through the AI boom which currently pervades across the world, Japan’s most imaginative minds have sought innovative and creative ways of harnessing the new technology. From AI emotional companions to robots on the moon, opportunities seem endless, and yet so very exhilarating. Although navigating the technological and business world in Japan may seem daunting, Zentern’s here to help! We’re looking at the future, with a selection of 8 companies harnessing new technologies.
Gatebox: Holographic Cheerleaders
Founded in 2014, Gatebox synergizes AI, holographic and IoT technology in the creation of an advanced artificial companion which has sought usage in a variety of different industries. By using advanced AI technology to learn about the user’s individual personality and needs, the Gatebox’s companion can learn how to respond appropriately and anticipate solutions. Their main product, the Gatebox Device, consists of a projection system to render the holographic avatar, sensors to detect user presence and environmental conditions, and communication modules which, powered by IoT, help the device connect to other devices within the user’s household.
GateBox has harnessed marketing strategies which spotlight its entertainment-based value. This resonates well in Japan, where similar staples such as Cuddle Cafés and Maid Cafés exist for those seeking companionship. However, those abroad might see this new technology as dystopian, departing from the human need for socialization. However, there have been many suggestions for expanding this technology for healthcare and education, which may help the company appeal to different markets. Further, the usage of Internet of Things (IoT) technology may allow for this holographic avatar to evolve into something of a home assistant, although with advanced functionality.
GITAI: To The Moon and Back
Specializing in robotics, GITAI’s diverse ambitions range from industrial application to space exploration. Aiming to manufacture convenient products to ensure very little human intervention, the company’s focus is on autonomous and automatic operation. This is accomplished through the integration of advanced algorithms and software. The company has constructed an international reputation since its founding in 2014, partnering with space exploration agencies, research institutions and industrial companies world-wide.
GITAI has received acclaim from a variety of its products, receiving the Japan-US Innovation Award in 2022. Past winners include companies such as Tesla and Dropbox. The GITAI-2 was fabricated under the mission to create a robotic arm designed for industrial manufacturing in outer-space’s microgravity environments. Similarly, the GITAI-3 was designed as a more complex successor with improved mobility by virtue of developments in AI. In 2023, GITAI amassed 4 billion yen dedicated to accelerating space-ready technology. Through this technology Co-Founder Sho Nakanose hopes that GITAI can “build infrastructure on the moon’s surface, with the goal of reducing the cost of working in space by one-hundredth.”
Minto: Revolutionizing Content Creation
Riding along the dominant international popularity of manga and anime, CEO Kazuhiro Mizuno founded Minto to revolutionize content creation by harnessing technological advancements for creative solutions. Through collaboration with creators, Minto assists in IP productions and creative solutions, essentially creating the platform that allows independent creators to publish their content; allowing content creators to focus on their craft. However, their platform’s ability for individual customization has received acclaim from users.
Minto also experiments with new technologies and spearheads the race for new technological integrations within the industry. For example, the company released their blockchain game “CryptoCrystal” in 2018 with great success, generating NFTs which grossed over 400 million yen (~2.7 million USD). They have also ventured into the Metaverse, launching their own purlieus ‘Minto Land.’ As a testament to their success, they have created a network of 250 content creators and currently run offices in Thailand, Vietnam and China and thus are considered the largest of their kind in Japan. Minto has also won various awards in respect to their focus on employee engagement, which allows for greater interest and passion in their work.
EMPATH: Filling The Gap Between Human and AI
A Tokyo-based start-up, EMPATH works to develop Emotion AI—a technology which aims to effectively gauge emotion based on non-verbal cues such as facial expressions or tone of voice using complex emotional analysis algorithms. This is a grand departure from the linguistic analysis seen in most mainstream chatbots. The company’s mission is to create a more empathetic society in the context of Japan’s rigid social expectations and the growing gap between emotion and technology.
Established in 2011, EMPATH stood on the fringe of recent AI breakthroughs and its consequent world-wide captivation. It has also positioned itself as an industry leader. Its software uses AI models for real-time emotional analysis with high accuracy, and thus has found application throughout a wide variety of industries. These include customer service, entertainment and gaming and healthcare. Regarding the very latter, with more developments, this technology will innovate the way medical professionals such as occupational therapists can judge emotional wellbeing. Further, the automotive industry has taken interest, as the software can analyze drivers’ emotional states and work to put them at ease, in turn, preventing vehicular accidents, of which around 2,700 people die annually in Japan. The company has also been working to diversify their software, taking into consideration verbal feedback and physiological data that might help detect individual nuances.
Vanguard Industries: Human-Centered Design
Vanguard Industries was founded in 2016 and has since become one of Japan’s leading robotics companies which has embraced AI technology. Collaborating with various partner companies, Vanguard seeks to find solutions to polemic real-world issues through engineered products and thereout integrating them into society.
The usage of AI improves the efficacy of human-robot interaction and user experience. For example, the Robohon developed by Vanguard Industries functions as a cell phone under the façade of a small humanoid robot. Thus, while it can make calls and send texts, it can also display images using its built-in projector. Also, it uses voice recognition technology to respond to voice commands. The company’s myriad of products have found use within various sectors including manufacturing, service, and healthcare. Their Tomoni healthcare robot assists those with mobility issues and contains an emergency alert system. Each product contains live feedback loops which enable the company to provide an individualized consumer experience.
Gengo: Translation Brought To You By AI
Gengo is a Tokyo-based start-up founded under the premise of using AI to traverse language barriers. Offering a website-localized service for e-commerce, document and content translation, the company’s user base consists of content creators, and by virtue of API integration, businesses as well. The start-up was founded in 2008 by Matthew Romaine and Robert Laing, the former of which worked for the Sony Corporation as an engineer and translator, and the latter at a Moresided UK. Combining their knowledge, they sought to provide more accurate and seamless translation through new technological developments including AI. Currently, the service provides translation in over 70 different languages.
By using AI, Gengo can more accurately detect cultural nuances and idiomatics which can achieve a desired tone in the translated language. Instead of using traditional translation equipment, the company utilizes Neural Machine Translation (NMT) which allows for greater discerning and understanding of context, rather than stacking words or phrases based on direct lexical interpretation. Further, the company’s team of multilingual specialists review these translated copies to verify the translation, and adjust their technology depending on error detection. Gengo’s ability to embrace these new technologies and simultaneously ensure consistency in quality has allowed the company to stand aplomb over its competitors
Kyash: Modern Banking
Positioning itself as a leading fintech company based in Tokyo, Kyash has harnessed new technology and creative solutions to revolutionize banking. The company’s financial services intend to enhance the user experience, making banking easier, while also protecting the user’s security using advanced fraud-detection systems.
Established in 2015, the company has expanded swiftly, evolving to the growing needs of its user base. While physical cards are distributed, it also contains a useful virtual system using AI analytics. On the Kyash app, the digital wallet allows for personal financial management and making online payments and money transfers. Their AI integration allows for users to gain support for financial managements through budgeting tools and personalized financial insights. They have also expanded their services to loans and investment options. Kyash currently works with prestigious players in the finance industry including Mizuho Bank, Seven Bank and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation. Combined with a strong commitment to regulatory compliance and a keen interest in the development of AI technology, they have cemented themselves as a pioneering fintech company.
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Japan is home to incredible companies with futuristic ideas and groundbreaking innovations. From AI companions to moon-exploring robots, the creativity and technology here are unmatched. Be part of this dynamic and forward-thinking culture by joining our program and interning in Japan. Your journey into the future starts here!
