Japan's drugmakers race to embed AI—or risk falling behind

Key takeaway

• Japan's major pharmaceutical firms—Takeda, Chugai, Daiichi Sankyo, Shionogi, and others—are now reporting substantial AI integration in financial filings, with adoption rates exceeding 60% among staff and AI recognized as essential to drug discovery and operational efficiency.

• Companies that lag in AI readiness risk losing research leadership and competitive standing, as the industry moves from pilot projects to company-wide implementation by 2030.

3 Key Points

FAQ

Which Japanese drugmakers are leading in AI adoption?

Takeda Pharmaceutical and Chugai Pharmaceutical report the highest active usage rates, exceeding 60%, and have built company-wide AI platforms. Daiichi Sankyo, Shionogi, and Otsuka Holdings are also advancing drug discovery and supply-chain applications. Astellas Pharma and Eisai disclosed no individual projects in their filings to date.

What are drugmakers using AI for?

The primary focus is research and development—including drug discovery platforms, clinical development, and predicting new technologies. Secondary applications include manufacturing (predictive equipment maintenance), inventory optimization, and supply-chain forecasting. Sales support received minimal mention in Japanese filings, unlike foreign peers.

What is slowing broader AI adoption?

Personnel and organizational readiness are the main constraints. Otsuka launched an "Otsuka Digital Academy" in July 2025 to train leaders and raise employee literacy; Kyowa Kirin is doing the same, building digital project planners and bottom-up literacy education. Both companies are prioritizing human infrastructure before full rollout.