Jurisdiction guide
Japan
Official starting points and practical orientation for Japanese SMEs considering digitalization and AI adoption support.
Current state of support
Japan's Small and Medium Enterprise Agency renamed the former IT implementation subsidy as the Digitalization and AI Introduction Subsidy for 2026. Official material describes support for SMEs and small businesses introducing eligible IT tools, including AI, to improve labour productivity and advance digitalization or digital transformation.
What this means for SMEs
Japanese SMEs should begin with a business process and confirm whether the intended tool, cost, applicant, and timing fit a current subsidy category. Naming AI in a project does not establish eligibility or make a workflow operationally sound.
Common support categories
- digital and AI tool introduction
- productivity and workflow improvement
- cybersecurity measures
- coordinated regional digitalization
- advisory and implementation preparation
Practical starting point
- Define one workflow, owner, baseline, and desired outcome.
- Set data, decision, and human-review boundaries.
- Review current SME Agency guidance, categories, and schedules.
- Confirm eligibility before committing spend or delivery dates.
- Evaluate any provider independently, including scope, evidence, security, and local programme experience.
Official starting points
- Digitalization and AI Introduction Subsidy 2026 guidance - Small and Medium Enterprise Agency
- Digitalization and AI Introduction Subsidy - Mirasapo Plus
Last reviewed: 21 July 2026. This page provides high-level orientation, not legal, financial, funding, or eligibility advice. Programmes, intakes, contribution terms, and requirements can change. Confirm current information directly with the responsible public body.