Naver Cloud Accelerates AI-Driven Workplace Transformation in Japan Amid Aging Crisis

Naver Cloud Platform is intensifying efforts to tackle Japan’s demographic challenges, specifically an aging population and labor shortages, by expanding its AI-powered B2B solutions. On July 10 (local time), the company held a press briefing in Japan to mark the 10th anniversary of its workplace collaboration platform, LINE WORKS, and unveiled a comprehensive AI strategy tailored to Japan’s frontline industries.

Since its launch in Japan, LINE WORKS has gained traction by offering field-optimized features and a mobile-centric, intuitive user experience. Its success is rooted in its design as a messaging-based, all-in-one app that’s easy for frontline workers, such as those in sales and customer-facing roles, to adopt, reflecting Japan’s workforce composition where such roles outnumber office-based positions.

According to market research firm Fuji Chimera Research Institute, LINE WORKS has maintained the top market share in Japan’s paid enterprise messaging sector for seven consecutive years since 2017. In 2023, it held a 41% share, solidifying its market leadership. The platform has seen approximately 40% annual revenue growth, surpassing an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of ¥16 billion as of July 2025, demonstrating both the scalability and stability of its SaaS-based business model.

Now, LINE WORKS is evolving beyond a collaboration tool into a comprehensive AI-driven workplace platform. Key offerings include “AiNote,” a voice-to-text recording service; “Roger,” a walkie-talkie-style voice transcription tool; “AiCall,” an AI call response system; “Vision,” an AI analytics cloud camera; and “OCR,” a document processing tool based on image recognition. The company also plans to expand its ‘AI agent’ capabilities, which will analyze and automate routine tasks like daily reporting by parsing data from chats, emails, and calendar entries.

Beyond office environments, Naver Cloud is extending its AI applications to public welfare services. Recently, Izumo City in Japan’s Shimane Prefecture signed an agreement to adopt “CareCall,” an AI-powered welfare check service. This marks the first such initiative in Japan where AI replaces routine phone calls previously handled by social workers, aiming to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of local government welfare programs.

In addition to LINE WORKS and CareCall, Naver Cloud is advancing various technology-based ventures in Japan’s B2B sector. The company is expanding its cloud services through a localized Japanese data region and strengthening its foothold in the gaming industry via partnerships with local firms such as Geopii and Klucus. In collaboration with Naver Labs, it has also introduced smart building solutions that integrate digital twins, robotics, and cloud technologies. These innovations are drawing significant interest from major Japanese corporations, with several strategic partnerships currently under discussion.

Original article available on Naver Newsroom.

Image source: Naver Newsroom