Japan’s megabank bets on US AI to save small firms

Japan’s largest bank will connect small Japanese businesses with American AI developers, a move aimed at helping smaller companies adopt artificial intelligence without building their own tech teams. The bank plans to act as a bridge between its small-business clients and US-based AI companies. Many of these clients lack the money and staff to develop AI tools on their own. Small and medium-sized enterprises form the backbone of Japan’s economy. They employ most of the country’s workforce. But they have fallen behind larger firms in using AI, which can cut costs and speed up work. Under the plan, the bank will introduce US AI developers to its business customers. The developers will offer ready-made tools, such as software that automates paperwork or predicts customer demand. The bank has not said how many companies will take part or when the program will start. It also has not named the US partners. The effort reflects a wider push in Japan to close the AI gap between big and small firms. Japan faces a shrinking workforce, so automation is seen as a way to keep smaller businesses running. For US AI developers, the deal opens access to Japan’s vast small-business market. For the bank, it builds closer ties with clients and creates new fee-based services.