Key Facts
• Yomiuri Shimbun conducted a New Year economic survey targeting 41 industry top executives from late November to mid-December 2025.
• Over 40% (18 executives) expect workforce reductions within 10 years due to generative AI; 5 foresee reductions exceeding 10%.
• AI likely to replace tasks such as data entry, document creation, and call center operations.
• 15 executives see no impact on employment; only Skylar Holdings Chairman Makoto Tani predicts workforce growth.
• 14 executives currently use AI in management decisions, mainly for information gathering and organization.
• Kirin Holdings Chairman Isao Isozaki uses an “AI executive” for discussion points; final decisions remain human-led.
• Jobs unlikely to be entrusted to AI include hospitality, face-to-face service, food safety final checks, and skilled cultural heritage work.
• On the timeline for achieving Artificial General Intelligence (AGI): 10 expect within 5 years, 9 within 5–9 years, 6 beyond 10 years, and 15 are uncertain.
Summary
A recent survey by Yomiuri Shimbun reveals that over 40% of top executives anticipate workforce reductions over the next decade due to generative AI, particularly in roles involving data entry, document preparation, and call center tasks. While some executives, including Skylar Holdings’ Chairman Makoto Tani, foresee employment growth linked to AI-driven productivity and digital talent expansion, the majority remain cautious. AI is increasingly used in management for data handling and discussion support, exemplified by Kirin Holdings’ experimental use of an “AI executive,” though final decisions are reserved for humans. Certain jobs requiring human interaction, safety assurance, and specialized skills are expected to remain beyond AI’s scope. Opinions on the arrival of Artificial General Intelligence vary widely, reflecting uncertainty about AI’s future impact on business and employment.
