Market Overview

Growth of the domestic business chat tool market slowed down in FY2023 due to demand pullback, following a period of high demand until FY2022 which was driven by the effect of COVID-19 crisis. The market size (based on the sales at businesses) in FY2023 was estimated at 36,670 million yen, 110.9% of the size of the previous fiscal year.
In FY2024, the integration of business chat tools with other communication platforms, along with the adoption of generative AI, was accelerated to drive productivity and enable automation. This shift has expanded the use of business chat tools beyond office settings, reaching workers in various fields such as sales, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and nursing care. As business chat tools become a critical part of daily operations, the market is expected to grow to 40,300 million yen in FY2024, reflecting a 9.9% increase from the previous fiscal year.

 

Noteworthy Topics

Two Approaches in Incorporating Generative AI to Business Chat Tool Business

All major business chat tool providers are incorporating generative AI into their software offerings. However, their approaches vary in two types.
In detail, one type is those that integrate specific generative AI solutions, such as OpenAI’s technology, directly into their platforms to enhance the value of their existing services.
The other type takes a more flexible, 'neutral' approach, offering a platform that allows users to choose from a range of generative AI tools. This second approach is driven by the rapid pace of innovation in the generative AI space, giving users the freedom to select the solution that best fits their needs.


 

Future Outlook

The business chat tool market is expected to continue its growth in FY2025 and beyond, although at a slower pace compared to previous years.
While these tools have not yet become essential platforms for business operations, their integration with core business systems and the integration of AI features, including generative AI, will continue to evolve. Additionally, industry-specific business chat tools, particularly in sectors like finance and healthcare, still have significant potential for growth, especially in terms of driving productivity improvements within these specialized fields.
Given these trends, while the market is not likely to experience the explosive growth seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, steady expansion is anticipated. The market size is forecasted to reach 44,600 million yen in FY2025 and grow to 46,700 million yen by FY2027.

Research Outline