AI specialist Chaen talks about "Survival strategies in the AI ​​era" and how Japanese companies can win - an interview with Digirise's Chaen Masahiro

What's DigiRise

A noteworthy company that helps Japanese companies introduce AI tools so they can keep up with other countries where AI is being introduced. In addition to consulting services, they also develop AI systems and large-scale language models optimized for each client. The global AI information posted by CEO Chaen on various social media platforms is attracting attention from people in the industry.

First, please tell us about your activities.

Masahiro Chaen (hereinafter, Chaen): Digirise Co., Ltd., founded in July 2023, has the mission of "raising the penetration rate of generative AI in Japan to 80% by 2027," and is engaged in the business of AI training for corporations and AI system development, including the corporate ChatGPT "AI Works." To date, we have provided AI training to more than 150 companies, including listed companies, and a total of more than 15,000 people, and boast a top-class track record in Japan in corporate AI training.

I also work as an "AI information influencer" for the purpose of increasing awareness and branding of the company. Through information dissemination on YouTube, note, etc., mainly through X (@masahirochaen), and appearances in the media, I strive to deliver information about AI more clearly and quickly than anywhere else.

Fortunately, I am working as a top generative AI influencer in Japan, so I have access to primary information that is not readily available. I can quickly catch up on the latest AI trends overseas, so I can apply them to my own business, and it's been a big plus.

What is the current situation and challenges of the domestic generative AI market?

Chaen: Among domestic companies, only about one-third of companies use generative AI in all or part of the company, and the percentage of companies that use generative AI in all of their companies drops significantly when it comes to small and medium-sized enterprises. The two main reasons why generative AI is not widely used are "security concerns" and "lack of knowledge."

Even when we provide AI training for companies, there are many voices saying "I don't know how to use generative AI," and I feel that the issue of "I really want to use it, but I can't use it" is becoming apparent.

What kind of content do you teach in AI training for companies?

Chaen: In the AI ​​training we provide, we start by teaching "the definition of AI talent." In order for companies to utilize AI, they need to secure talent that matches both AI knowledge and business understanding.

Japanese companies still lack both abilities in their human resources, so we aim to expand their capabilities through training. Our goal is for participants to reach a level where they can change prompts depending on their task and become adept at using generative AI tools when creating materials.

We designed the training program from scratch, providing a four-month curriculum and video content. Participants study in advance through videos, and we place emphasis on a practical format where they get their hands dirty in actual workshops.

When introducing AI into a company, it is important to take things step by step, but we also need to shape the mindset of our employees, so we keep this in mind when conducting AI training.