Yano Research Institute Ltd.

17/06/2026

Press Release:
"Aesthetic Salon Market in Japan Sized at 279,700 Million Yen in FY2025, 92.1% of Preceding Fiscal Year"
[Aesthetic Salon Market in Japan: Key Research Findings 2026]

< Market Overview>
The Japanese aesthetic salon market is projected to reach 279,700 million yen in FY2025, representing 92.1% of the previous year’s sales. This forecast marks the sixth consecutive year of contraction, with the market’s decline notably accelerating.A significant factor in this downturn is the slump in women’s treatments (facial, body care, and slimming), which fell to 168,800 million yen (88.2% of the prior year). This dip was driven primarily by a wave of mass closures among specialized hair removal salons.In contrast, the men’s segment is experiencing a surge in demand as men increasingly prioritize facial and body grooming. However, this growth has been partially constrained by the same wave of salon closures affecting the broader industry, which has specifically limited the expansion of men’s hair removal services. Despite these operational challenges, the shift toward male grooming remains a key bright spot in an otherwise tightening market.
Full Texts of the Release:
https://www.yanoresearch.com/en/press-release/show/press_id/4044
　

Yano Research Institute (the President, Takashi Mizukoshi) has recently released a market report “Aesthetic Salon Industry 2026”, exploring Japan’s aesthetic beauty salon industry through market trends (by region/treatment/market players). The report culminates in an analysis of the market’s...

16/06/2026

Press Release:
"Increased Power Generation Resulting from Solar Power Plant Repowering Is Expected to Reach 253 Million kWh by FY2033"
[The Solar Power Plant Repowering Market in Japan: Key Research Findings 2026]

< Market Overview>
The projected increase in electricity generated from repowering domestic solar power plants in FY2025 is 145 million kWh. Japan has spurred the widespread deployment of solar power plants since the feed-in tariff (FIT) program began in FY2012. Recently, the power conditioning systems (PCS) and other components of these facilities have reached the point at which upgrading should be considered.
In this context, repowering to maintain and improve the performance of existing facilities is garnering attention. Repowering methods include replacing PCSs and photovoltaic (PV) modules.
The Agency for Natural Resources and Energy's (ANRE) Seventh Strategic Energy Plan recommends expanding the deployment of PV systems through FY2040. To achieve this goal, constructing new plants and repowering existing ones to maintain power generation performance will be necessary for a long-term stable operation.

Full Texts of the Release:
https://www.yanoresearch.com/en/press-release/show/press_id/4115

Yano Research Institute (the President, Takashi Mizukoshi) conducted a survey on the status of the domestic solar power plant repowering market. The survey revealed the projected power generation increase from repowered domestic solar power plants through FY2040.

16/06/2026

Press Release:
"Societal Implementation of Olfactory Sensor Starts in the Niche Application Fields"
[Global Olfactory Sensor Market: Key Research Findings 2026]

< Market Overview>
Odor management (control) today is primarily conducted through the measurement of odor intensity, and the resulting data is utilized to improve operational workflows.
Although these enterprises recognize that aroma identification may offer advantages in improving operational efficiency, the cost of introducing olfactory sensors is not considered viable from a return on investment (ROI) perspective.

Besides, there are significant technological limitations on the developers’ side:
1. Lack of standardized odor data sets
2. Complexity of identifying intricate chemical mixtures
3. Difficulty competing with the biological superiority of the human olfactory system

The absence of a universal sensing standard persists. While various methodologies have emerged, each presents specific trade-offs depending on the application. Coupled with the perception that manual sensory evaluation is a more cost-effective alternative, potential adopters frequently question the economic necessity of these systems.
Furthermore, deployment of an olfactory sensor system typically requires extensive calibration and specialized training, often necessitating direct and ongoing intervention from developers to ensure accuracy.
Given the circumstances, the global olfactory sensor market is projected to attain 2,435.92 million yen in 2026.

Full Texts of the Release:
https://www.yanoresearch.com/en/press-release/show/press_id/4107

Yano Research Institute (the President, Takashi Mizukoshi) has recently announced a released of a market report “Olfactory Sensor Market 2026”, exploring the market size and market trends (product, technology, key players).

15/06/2026

[WHATS Seminar (Online)]
“IT User Trends Seminar 2026: The State and Challenges of AI Adoption (Start Small, Scale Up: Latest Data × Real-World Case Studies)”
—Thu. June 25, 2026

While the adoption of AI and generative AI continues to accelerate, organizations on the ground face a growing list of challenges — pilots that never move beyond proof of concept, talent shortages, and unfavorable cost-effectiveness. Many also find themselves hesitant to take the next step, without quite knowing why.
In this seminar, the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA) and Yano Research Institute Ltd. will present the latest findings on domestic AI adoption trends and the path to embedding AI into everyday operations, followed by practical case studies from three user companies.
________________________________________
[Program Overview]
• 3:00 PM — Opening Remarks
Speaker: Yasushi Iida, Chairperson, IT Platform Business Committee, Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA) / (Hitachi, Ltd.)
________________________________________
• 3:10 PM — Presentation 1
AI-Focused IT Trend Survey Report
Speaker: Tomoya Hitokoto, Chairperson, Platform Planning Committee, Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA)
The JEITA IT Platform Business Committee conducts biennial IT user trend surveys with the goal of promoting effective IT adoption, contributing to a more convenient society, and energizing the Japanese market.
This presentation will cover the overall landscape of IT investment trends and key IT developments, with a particular focus on survey findings related to AI — an area of growing interest — and the current state of AI adoption among organizations.
We hope the findings will serve as a useful reference for your own initiatives.
________________________________________
• 3:30 PM — Presentation 2
Steps to AI Adoption for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
Speaker: Hiroko Koyama, Executive Researcher, Enterprise IT Group, ICT & Finance, Yano Research Institute Ltd.
Hiroko Koyama specializes in research on the enterprise IT sector. She began covering the AI market around 2015 — back when just tasting a drink inspired by IBM Watson was enough to get excited. She describes her relationship with generative AI as one of mutual give-and-take (or so she believes).
________________________________________
3:50 PM — Break
________________________________________
• 4:00 PM — Presentation 3 (User Case Study) + Q&A
Is Anyone Here Playing Around with AI?
Speaker: Takumi Kato, Mitsuwa Pump Co., Ltd.
Takumi Kato has been involved in IoT business development, internal systems management, and sales planning. Driven by personal curiosity, he began learning and applying AI independently — sharing his findings publicly and pursuing personal development projects — while simultaneously advancing AI adoption within his organization.
________________________________________
• 4:15 PM — Presentation 4 (User Case Study) + Q&A
Leveraging an AI Agent for Order Processing (Provisional)
Speaker: Hisao Tomaru, FRYSTAR CO.,LTD
After taking on the role of Operations Section Manager in the Sales Division, Hisao Tomaru set out to eliminate errors in order entry and drive operational improvement. Confronted with the challenges of knowledge transfer in the face of labor shortages and the limits of traditional workflows amid work-style reform, he has been actively pursuing digital transformation.
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• 4:30 PM — Presentation 5 (User Case Study) + Q&A
In-House System Development Powered by AI
Speaker: Yuta Okada, Okada Kenma Co., Ltd.
Without a background in engineering, Yuta Okada has leveraged generative AI to build a wide range of internal business systems in-house. Every employee on the factory floor now uses an iPad running these internally developed systems in their daily work. He has also launched an online course business focused on "AI-powered in-house system development."
________________________________________
• 4:45 PM — Q&A Session
(Responses to questions submitted via chat)
________________________________________
• 4:50 PM — Closing Remarks
Tomoya Hitokoto, Chairperson, Platform Planning Committee, Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA) / (Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.)
* The program and time allocations are subject to change.

____________________________________________________
Registration & For more details:
https://www.yanoresearch.com/seminars_and_workshops/725

15/06/2026

[WHATS Seminar Vol. 256 (Online)]

“Practical Examples of Digital Transformation in Response to Logistics-Related Legal Reforms — New Approaches to Logistics Strategy”
—Monday, June 22, 2026

[Seminar Overview]

• 1:00 PM – 1:50 PM
Practical Examples of Digital Transformation in Response to Logistics-Related Legal Reforms — New Approaches to Logistics Strategy
Since April 2025, a series of legal reforms affecting not only logistics operators but also shippers and cargo owners have come into effect in Japan.
Logistics efficiency is no longer an issue limited to the transportation and logistics industry alone; it has become a major management issue for shippers such as manufacturers and retailers as well.
This seminar will explain the impact of recent legal reforms and the current status of related initiatives, while introducing examples of how digital transformation (DX) has been used to address new regulatory requirements and compliance obligations. The session will also present new approaches to logistics strategy in this changing environment.

1. Overview of Recent Logistics-Related Legal Reforms
2. Changes Affecting Shippers Resulting from the Legal Reforms
3. Case Studies on the Use of Hacobell’s Logistics DX Systems
4. New Approaches to Logistics Strategy
*Please note that some content may be subject to change.

Speaker: Kenji Hazama, President & CEO, Hacobell Inc.

Mr. Hazama completed a master’s degree at Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo.
He joined Bain & Company, Inc. in 2009, where he worked with both Japanese and international clients across a wide range of industries.
In 2017, he joined RAKSUL Inc. and led the matching platform business and SaaS business as Executive Officer and Head of the Hacobell Business Division.
Since August 2022, he has served as President & CEO of Hacobell Inc.

• 1:50 PM – 2:00 PM
Q&A Session
____________________________________________________
Registration & For more details:
https://www.yanoresearch.com/seminars_and_workshops/720

12/06/2026

[WHATS Seminar Vol. 257 (Online)]

“The Forefront of Forklift Automation — Transitioning to Logistics Without Dependence on Forklifts in an Era of Labor Shortages”
—Monday, June 22, 2026

[Seminar Overview]
● 2:30 PM – 3:20 PM
The Forefront of Forklift Automation
— Transitioning to “Logistics Without Dependence on Forklifts” in an Era of Labor Shortages

In today’s logistics operations, pallet storage and retrieval operations within warehouses are primarily handled by manned forklifts. Although companies are considering switching to AGFs (Automated Guided Forklifts) as a labor-saving measure, several challenges remain.
To address these issues, we propose a new logistics system that combines RGVs (Rail Guided Vehicles / shuttle systems) and AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles).
In addition, by expanding the scope toward automation of case picking operations, the proposed approach helps establish a logistics system that “keeps operations running” while also strengthening business continuity.
Today, logistics operations are reaching a turning point where the focus should shift beyond simple labor saving toward “overall optimization through automation.”
1.　Current Warehouse Operations and Challenges in Implementing AGFs
2.　A New Logistics System Combining RGVs and AGVs
3.　Phase 2 Proposal: Expanding Automation to Case Picking
4.　Introduction of the NEWAGV, Capable of Transporting Floor-Stacked Pallets
5.　Introduction to Freezer Warehouse Solutions
6.　Approaches to Evaluating Cost Effectiveness

Speaker: Taisuke Wakisaka, Product Team, Robotics Advisor Department, Chinoh.Ai Co., Ltd.
Mr. Wakisaka has more than 10 years of experience in industrial automation, primarily in the automotive, manufacturing, and logistics industries, promoting the implementation of automation solutions including AGVs. He provides support tailored to customer needs, ranging from customized system integration to optimal proposals based on budget requirements. To date, he has supported automation planning and deployment at more than 300 operational sites.

● 3:20 PM – 3:30 PM
　　Q&A Session
____________________________________________________
Registration & For more details:
https://www.yanoresearch.com/seminars_and_workshops/718

11/06/2026

Press Release:
"Structural Transition in Digital Advertising Market Driven by Proliferation of Generative AI"
[How Advertisers Utilize AI and Manage Digital Ad Ops in Japan: Key Research Findings 2026]

< Market Overview>
The rapid evolution of generative AI is significantly reshaping digital advertising workflows and the competitive landscape. Beyond simple automation, innovations in text, image, and video generation—coupled with advanced data analytics and precision targeting—have shifted AI from a basic productivity tool to a strategic infrastructure. When segmented by two-axis analysis with AI usage level on one axis and advertising budget size on the other, advertisers fall into either “Aggressive AI Adopter/Active Advertiser”, “No AI/Defensive Advertiser”, or “General Advertiser (adopts AI largely for efficiency)”. Aggressive Adopters are frontrunners that leverage AI to maximize efficiency, then reinvest those gains into new growth initiatives to pull ahead. Defensive segment remains hesitant to adopt AI, running the risk of losing their competitive edge. The digital advertising market is shifting from traditional 'channel vs. channel' competition toward a total restructuring centered on AI integration. Consequently, the 'AI gap' will soon dictate who wins and who loses in digital advertising.

Full Texts of the Release:
https://www.yanoresearch.com/en/press-release/show/press_id/4065

Yano Research Institute (the President, Takashi Mizukoshi) has released a new market report, How Modern Brands Manage Digital Ad Ops - in the AI Era – 2026, which delves into how AI and AI search are impacting the digital advertising market in Japan. Through the analysis of how advertisers manage ...

11/06/2026

Press Release:
"Marke Size for Graduate Recruitment Services Reached 146.6 Billion Yen in FY2024, Marking a 5.1% YoY"
[Graduate Recruitment Services Market in Japan: Key Research Findings 2026]

< Market Overview>
Based on sales from service providers, the graduate recruitment services market, comprising seven segments, was valued at 146.6 billion yen in FY2024, marking a 5.1% increase from the previous fiscal year. Companies’ graduate recruitment activities have been brisk, creating robust demand for these services. Due to the ongoing market favorable for students, companies continued to recruit from early on for a longer period, which created more opportunities for these services.

Full Texts of the Release:
https://www.yanoresearch.com/en/press-release/show/press_id/4110

Yano Research Institute (the President, Takashi Mizukoshi) conducted a survey of the domestic graduate recruitment services market (a total of 7 services). The survey revealed the market trends by service, trends among market players, and the market outlook.

10/06/2026

Press Release:
"Hospital Groups Manage 1,238 Hospitals, Accounting for 15.3% of the Total Number of Medical Institutions in Japan"
[Hospital Groups in Japan: Key Research Findings 2026]

< Summary of Research Findings>
For the purposes of this research, a hospital group is defined as an organization that manages at least three medical facilities. According to public data from the Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare, these groups operate 1,238 hospitals, accounting for 15.3% of Japan's 8,107 hospitals as of January 2026. These group hospitals have 243,049 beds, accounting for 16.7% of Japan's 1,456,922 hospital beds, based on the same data. Breaking it down by bed type, the hospital groups have 139,350 general beds (16.0% of the total of this type of beds), 69,513 long-term care beds (26.2% of the total), and 34,051 psychiatric beds (10.8% of the total).

Based on total assets in FY2023, the Tokushukai Group is the largest group, followed by the Japan Federation of Democratic Medical Institutions, the Seirei Social Welfare Community, the Kamachi Medical Group, and the IMS Group.

Full Texts of the Release:
https://www.yanoresearch.com/en/press-release/show/press_id/4079

Yano Research Institute (the President, Takashi Mizukoshi) conducted a survey of hospital groups in Japan. The survey revealed the business environment, operational realities, and profitability of hospital groups.

10/06/2026

Press Release:
"The Foreign Worker Support Services Market (as a Total of 3 Markets: SSW Support, TITP Supervision, and Foreign Worker Job Placement) Grew by 16.9% YoY to 269.65 Billion Yen in FY2024"
[Foreign Worker Support Services Market in Japan: Key Research Findings 2026]

< Market Overview>
The foreign worker support services market, which comprises 1) specified skilled worker (SSW) support services, 2) Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) supervision, and 3) foreign worker job placement services, was estimated at 269.65 billion yen in FY2024, a 16.9% increase from the previous fiscal year. To address labor shortages, the government established the Specified Skilled Worker Program to facilitate the hiring of foreign nationals.
As more companies have become willing to accept TITP trainees and SSWs, providing opportunities for them to perform, the demand for foreign worker support services has increased, creating more opportunities to offer these services. This has contributed to the expansion of the market size.

Full Texts of the Release:
https://www.yanoresearch.com/en/press-release/show/press_id/4084

Yano Research Institute (the President, Takashi Mizukoshi) surveyed the foreign worker support services market in Japan, which comprises 1) specified skilled worker support services, 2) “Technical Intern Training Program” supervision, and 3) foreign worker job placement services. The survey reve...