May 15 (News On Japan) - A new service known as "AI Joshi" (AI Women) is gaining attention for embedding AI-savvy support staff at client companies to observe operations, identify bottlenecks, and propose automation solutions using generative AI.
Launched less than a year ago, the service is already showing measurable results and boasts a zero percent turnover rate among its staff.
The name "AI Joshi" was chosen not only for its catchy appeal but also to highlight the broader societal aim of promoting diversity in the tech field. The service positions women—who make up a significant portion of the population—as the first step toward addressing workforce and societal challenges. Many of the staff members have transferred from other industries and undergone training to become AI specialists.
One client, a major convenience store chain, reported dramatic time savings after implementing prompts designed by AI Joshi staff. Tasks such as writing promotional content, handling complaint responses, and crafting internal reports were automated, saving about 1,250 labor hours in just one week.
What distinguishes AI Joshi from conventional digital consulting services is its on-site presence. Staff are stationed at client offices to closely observe daily operations, identify unseen inefficiencies, and provide practical AI-driven solutions. By integrating deeply into the workplace rather than conducting one-off consulting sessions, the AI Joshi team fosters a strong sense of ownership among employees and helps ensure sustained improvement.
A key challenge observed in Japanese workplaces is resistance to change. Most companies experience a split between AI advocates and skeptics, with the latter often forming the majority early on. AI Joshi addresses this divide by positioning AI not as a replacement but as a tool to handle tasks employees struggle with—encouraging adoption by framing it as supportive rather than threatening.
Despite the stress of adjusting to unfamiliar corporate cultures, AI Joshi staff have managed to keep morale high and turnover at zero. One reason is their emphasis on internal communication. Staff share concerns and challenges openly via Slack, using a continuous PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle to resolve issues collectively and prevent burnout.
The service has resonated with clients precisely because it doesn’t rely on distant experts. Instead, it sends approachable, semi-expert personnel who are knowledgeable but not intimidating. This creates an environment where even the most hesitant employees can ask questions and learn without fear of judgment.
The broader implication is clear: while AI can offer significant productivity gains, its successful adoption hinges on creating a supportive learning environment. By lowering barriers and embedding AI support into daily operations, AI Joshi is providing a model for how Japanese companies might navigate the complex transition to digital transformation.
Source: ABEMA
