Hitachi: How Domain Expertise and AI Will Help Japanese Companies Win in the New Era

The Japan Productivity Center released a report on strategies to enhance business value-add and productivity by 2040. During the event, Toshiaki Higashihara, Chairman of Hitachi’s Board of Directors, shared his vision for the future development of the country’s technology companies.

According to Higashihara, the key to success for Japanese enterprises lies in integrating artificial intelligence with deep domain expertise. He noted that many Japanese companies possess unique experience across sectors—from manufacturing to finance—and this will enable them to effectively implement AI solutions tailored to specific business challenges.

Hitachi’s leader also stressed that global competition in technology demands not only innovation but also agile management. He argued that Japanese companies should invest more in developing their own AI models, accounting for local market nuances, to reduce dependence on foreign tech giants.

The institute’s report sets an ambitious goal: to position Japan among the leaders in labor productivity by 2040. To achieve this, Higashihara believes an ecosystem must be created where businesses, academia, and government collaborate closely to advance cutting-edge technologies.