Management Navi | Today’s Speed Reading Topics | Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Focusing on announcements from October 13, we introduce 8 items including subsidies, AI, new services, and corporate trends.
There has been a series of announcements regarding corporate AI utilization, such as the free release of domestic AI and business automation using AI agents.
*Importance is an editorial evaluation unique to Management Navi based on practicality, novelty, and topicality for small and medium-sized business owners.
1. [Subsidy] Housing energy-saving subsidy: Budget consumption rate for GX-oriented housing reaches 64%. Early application encouraged.
Importance: ★★★★★ | Publication Date: October 13
Key Point: The status of application submissions for September under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s “Mirai Eco Housing 2026 Project” has been released. As of 12:00 AM on October 13, the ratio of application amounts to the budget is 64% for GX-oriented housing, 38% for long-term quality housing/ZEH-level housing, and 9% for renovations.
The budget for GX-oriented housing is 75 billion yen. The application deadline is generally December 31, but acceptance will end once the budget limit is reached. Note that application acceptance for ZEH-level housing in new custom-built homes ended on September 30.
Impact on Management: Housing manufacturers, construction firms, and renovation businesses need to be careful about guiding customers on subsidies and application schedules. Since the acceptance status varies depending on the type of housing, please check the latest information.
Primary Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism / Housing Energy Saving 2026 Campaign Secretariat | Mirai Eco Housing 2026 Project Official Website
2. [AI/New Service] Domestic AI “Sarashina” is now free to use! 6 AI models released to the public.
Importance: ★★★★★ | Publication Date: October 13
Key Point: SB Intuitions has released a free beta version of the “Sarashina Service,” which allows users to use the domestic generative AI “Sarashina” for free.
Six AI models that support text generation, translation, document search, and safety assessment can be used via API, and users can also experience AI dialogue and translation on the web. You can log in with a Google account, and no prior application is required.
Impact on Management: Even small and medium-sized enterprises can now try out domestic AI text generation and translation functions for free. It is also a new option for companies considering introducing AI into their own systems. However, the free beta version has usage limits, and input data may be used for service improvement.
Primary Source: SB Intuitions | Official Press Release
3. [AI/New Service] Just say “Do this job.” AI agents that automate tasks have arrived.
Importance: ★★★★☆ | Publication Date: October 13
Key Point: Delight Inc. has started providing a Public Beta version of the AI agent execution platform “Agentino.”
When you explain how to perform a task in natural language, the AI creates a procedure manual and converts it into an executable format. It also supports scheduled execution and sharing within a team. It is designed to require human approval before important operations such as issuing invoices or making payments.
A free plan is also available, and a free implementation support campaign for the first 10 companies is being held until November 15.
Impact on Management: For companies looking to delegate routine administrative tasks to AI, the options for implementation have increased. However, as it is currently in beta, it is necessary to verify supported tasks, security, and operational costs before full-scale implementation.
Primary Source: Delight Inc. | Announcement of the launch of Agentino
4. [AI/Corporate Trends] The problem of “Shadow AI” where employees use AI without permission. Coconala to establish a specialized company
Importance: ★★★★☆ | Publication Date: October 13
Key Point: Coconala has announced that it will establish a joint venture with AI security company Elith.
The new company, “Coconala Elith,” is scheduled to be established on November 1. It will develop services such as countermeasures against “Shadow AI,” where employees use AI outside of company management, and services to evaluate the quality of AI responses. The investment ratio is 51% Coconala and 49% Elith.
Impact on Management: While the use of AI by employees for work is spreading, there are concerns about the leakage of customer information and internal documents. Establishing a management system to grasp AI usage and utilize it safely is becoming important.
Primary Source: Coconala | Regarding entry into the AI security field and establishment of a joint venture
5. [Recruitment/AI] The era of AI interviewers. MonotaRO introduces AI interviews for part-time recruitment
Importance: ★★★★☆ | Publication Date: October 13
Key Point: MonotaRO has introduced PeopleX’s conversational AI interview service.
Operations will begin with part-time recruitment for logistics centers. By utilizing dialogue with AI interviewers and evaluation reports, the company aims to reduce the man-hours required for interviews and standardize evaluations. Expansion to new graduate recruitment is also being considered.
Impact on Management: This is a case study that will be useful for companies with few recruiters or companies that hire large numbers of part-time workers. However, the effectiveness of improving recruitment efficiency has not been disclosed at this time, and it is necessary to check future operational results.
Primary Source: PeopleX | Regarding the introduction of AI interviews at MonotaRO
6. [AI/Marketing] Consulting 100,000 “AI consumers” about new products. TOPPAN launches new service
Importance: ★★★★☆ | Publication Date: October 13
Key Point: TOPPAN has launched a customer experience support service utilizing 100,000 AI personas.
Based on the national census and household surveys, AI personas that reproduce Japan’s population structure have been built. Depending on age, income, values, etc., reactions to sales promotion measures and new products can be verified on AI. The price for the standard version starts at 10 million yen.
Impact on Management: This is attracting attention as a move to utilize AI for preliminary verification of new product development and marketing. However, the reactions of AI personas are not the results of actual consumer surveys, but rather support the verification of predictions and hypotheses.
Primary Source: TOPPAN | Launch of AI persona utilization service
7. [AI/Business Efficiency] AI for nighttime phone reception. Cable TV company moves toward 24-hour support efficiency
Importance: ★★★☆☆ | Publication Date: October 13
Key Point: Hmcomm has announced the introduction of its AI phone reception system, “Terry2 mini,” to Cable Television Co., Ltd.
AI will handle some routine inquiries, such as nighttime billing checks and basic equipment operation. The goal is to reduce outsourcing costs and operational burdens while maintaining a 24/7/365 reception system.
Impact on Management: This is a reference case for AI implementation for companies that require nighttime and holiday phone support. According to the provider, operations can begin in as little as one week by utilizing existing mechanisms. However, the actual implementation period and cost-reduction effects will vary depending on the business operations.
Primary Source: Hmcomm | Notice of AI Phone Reception System Implementation
8. [Policy/Human Resources] Addressing labor shortages in housekeeping services. MHLW begins joint dissemination of job information
Importance: ★★★☆☆ | Publication Date: October 13
Key Point: The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) has begun operating “Kaseifu(fu) Net,” where local housekeeping referral agencies collaborate to disseminate job information.
Small-scale referral agencies face challenges in securing workers and matching them with households. In this model project, multiple agencies will collaborate to publish summaries of job openings to support talent acquisition.
Impact on Management: This initiative is relevant to small-scale human resource service providers such as housekeeping referral agencies. It also serves as a reference for how to promote recruitment, which is difficult for individual businesses to do alone, through regional collaboration.
Primary Source: MHLW | Regarding the Start of Operation of “Kaseifu(fu) Net”
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