Disrupting Japan

How AI employees are solving Japan’s labor shortage

Mar 3, 2025
Shota Nakagawa, the founder and CEO of Caster, shares insights into pioneering AI integration in Japan's workforce. He discusses how AI employees are addressing the country's labor shortage and why 90% of Caster's workforce consists of women. The conversation delves into Japan's unique approach to remote work, emphasizing flexibility and trust. Nakagawa also explores the skepticism surrounding AI in Japan and the potential for AI to manage critical tasks, all while providing a pathway for revitalizing rural areas.
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INSIGHT

Trust in B2B vs. B2C

  • Caster differs from freelancing platforms like Upwork by prioritizing trust in B2B.
  • Caster takes responsibility for fixing issues, unlike Upwork's model where it's the freelancer's problem.
ANECDOTE

Women in Caster's Workforce

  • 95% of Caster's workforce are women, a unique characteristic attributed to the scarcity of remote work opportunities for women in Japan.
  • Half of these women have children, highlighting the appeal of flexible work arrangements.
INSIGHT

Pre-Pandemic Remote Work Resistance

  • Shota Nakagawa, Caster CEO, advocated remote work before the pandemic when it was considered impossible.
  • Companies resisted it due to distrust of the unknown, not logistical issues.
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