Japan’s AI industry has been making impressive strides over the past decade, blending the country’s long-standing reputation for technological excellence with the cutting-edge possibilities of artificial intelligence.
From robotics and automation to healthcare and customer experience, AI in Japan is no longer just the stuff of sci-fi movies – it’s a rapidly growing sector driving innovation across industries. Government backing, corporate investment and a strong talent pool have helped accelerate AI adoption nationwide, with Tokyo fast becoming a hub for AI startups and global expansion.
As Japan navigates demographic shifts and labour shortages, AI has stepped in as a powerful solution for the country, automating processes and unlocking new efficiencies. Whether it’s intelligent robotics, natural language processing or computer vision, Japanese companies are pushing the envelope in practical, real-world applications.
Top 7 AI Startups in Japan
These are the top 10 AI startups that are doing exciting work in Japan in 2025.
SoftBank Robotics
Established in July 2014 as a subsidiary of SoftBank Group Corp., SoftBank Robotics is headquartered in Tokyo and led by President and CEO, Fumihide Tomizawa.
The company focuses on developing and providing robotic solutions for various sectors, including hospitality, retail and healthcare. Notably, they introduced “Pepper,” a humanoid robot designed to interact with humans, in 2014.
SoftBank Robotics has deployed over 40,000 robots across more than 70 countries, emphasising its commitment to integrating robotics into everyday life
Mujin
Founded in January 2015 in Tokyo by Ross Diankov and Issei Takino, Mujin specialises in intelligent automation solutions for industrial settings. Their flagship product, the MujinController, is a “teachless” robot controller that enables robots to perform tasks without manual programming.
Mujin has expanded its operations internationally, with offices in China and the United States, and continues to innovate in the field of robotics and automation.
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RevComm
Founded in 2017 in Tokyo, RevComm is an AI-driven communication platform that enhances business conversations through real-time analytics and transcription services.
Their flagship product, MiiTel, integrates with telephony systems to provide insights into sales and customer service interactions, aiming to improve communication effectiveness and productivity.
ABEJA
Established in 2012 in Tokyo, ABEJA specialises in providing AI solutions for various industries, including retail and manufacturing.
The company offers a platform that leverages machine learning to analyse visual data, aiding businesses in optimising operations and customer experiences.
Preferred Networks
Preferred Networks is an AI company that was founded on March 26, 2014 in Tokyo by Toru Nishikawa and Daisuke Okanohara.
The company focuses on applying deep learning to real-world problems in sectors like transportation, manufacturing and healthcare. The company has collaborated with major corporations such as Toyota and FANUC and developed its own deep learning framework, Chainer.
Ubie
Established in 2017 in Tokyo by Dr. Yoshinori Abe and engineer Kota Kubo, Ubie is a health tech company that developed an AI-powered symptom checker to assist patients in understanding potential health issues.
The platform aims to bridge the gap between patients and medical professionals by providing preliminary assessments and facilitating better communication.
LeapMind
Founded in 2012 in Tokyo, LeapMind focuses on developing compact deep learning solutions suitable for edge devices. Their technology enables the deployment of AI models on devices with limited computational resources, expanding the applicability of AI in various industries.
