Nazuna, a ryokan (Japanese inn) operator, cut expense entry from approx. 160 to approx. 15 hours a month with AI, and raised all employees' annual pay by approx. ¥500,000.
https://www.atpress.ne.jp/news/635772
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Nazuna, which runs ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) mainly in Kyoto and Hakone, is passing the gains from AI-driven efficiency on to all employees' pay.
Challenge: Amid labor shortages in hospitality, create more time for the personal care for guests that Nazuna calls 'osekkai'.
AI's role: An in-house expense app where AI reads receipts and books entries, and an AI-built equipment management system. AI also drafts replies to online travel agency messages, which staff check.
Results: Expense entry: approx. 160 → approx. 15 hours a month. Equipment management running cost: approx. ¥250,000 → approx. ¥20,000 a month. Annual pay for all employees: raised by approx. ¥500,000 each.
What made it stick: A project team of frontline staff and the CEO, and AI tools matched to each role.
People lead; AI walks alongside. AI supports routine work and analysis, so staff spend more time with guests.
Source: https://www.atpress.ne.jp/news/635772 (Oct 2, 2026, Nazuna Inc. press release)
