SHIFT AI Hosts ChatGPT Workshop for Farmers in Gamagori City, Aichi Prefecture

SHIFT AI Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Shota Kino), which operates Japan’s No.1※ generative AI learning community “SHIFT AI” with the mission of “Making Japan an AI-advanced nation,” announces the successful implementation of a “ChatGPT Workshop from Zero” at an AI utilization seminar for the agricultural sector, hosted by the Gamagori City Agricultural Management Association (Gamagori City Agricultural Management Liaison Council).

To date, the company has collaborated with local governments such as Nishio City in Aichi Prefecture to promote and support the practical adoption of generative AI in agriculture. Building on these achievements and positive feedback, this event was realized through a joint initiative with Gamagori City’s Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Division and the Agricultural Management Liaison Council, aiming to advance digital transformation in agriculture.

Held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at the JA Gamagori Agricultural Land Center, the seminar welcomed producers of local specialties such as “mikan” (mandarin oranges) and “strawberries,” as well as municipal and prefectural officials. Given that many participants were older and unfamiliar with AI, the session was carefully designed by SHIFT AI to cover everything from ChatGPT basics to safe usage practices.

Program Designed to Reduce Anxiety and Encourage Practical Use

The workshop was structured to achieve two key goals: “eliminating participants’ anxiety about generative AI” and “providing a practical starting point for real-world use.” The content avoided technical jargon and prioritized clarity.

Difference Between Traditional AI and Generative AI (Reducing Anxiety) The session explained the distinction between traditional AI—skilled in data classification and prediction (e.g., smart farming)—and generative AI, which excels at creating new text and content. This helped dispel vague fears of the unknown, positioning ChatGPT as a “familiar tool and advisor to make daily work easier.”

Safe Usage Rules and Practical Examples (Encouraging Adoption) To prevent risks akin to driving on a highway without a license, fundamental rules such as “do not input personal information” and “do not accept outputs without verification” were emphasized. Participants then observed live demonstrations of practical applications, such as drafting promotional copy, flyers, and product descriptions for farm stands and e-commerce sites—tasks directly relevant to their daily work.

Notably, one participant who registered for ChatGPT for the first time during the session used the tool to generate the closing remarks for the seminar and delivered them on the spot—an impactful demonstration of immediate, real-time AI adoption.

Event Instructors and Support Team

Lead Instructor: Takumi Okawa

Resides in Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture. After graduating high school, he worked as a semi-professional soccer player for five years. He is now an instructor at SHIFT AI, Japan’s largest AI utilization community with over 40,000 members. As of June 2026, he has supported 4,541 individuals nationwide in adopting generative AI. He also serves as a lifelong learning instructor in Shizuoka Prefecture and as a business enhancement support provider for the Shizuoka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, delivering numerous AI workshops for local residents and municipalities. (Certifications: Generative AI Passport, G Certification)

Support Instructors:

Takeshi Okamatsu

Over 30 years in the financial industry. Transitioned from being a complete computer novice one year ago to becoming his department’s AI lead and company-wide AI evangelist. He has hosted 20 internal AI study sessions, engaging over 200 employees, and has spoken externally on the theme of “harmonious coexistence between AI and humans,” exploring next-generation workstyles.

Yuki Hasada

Agriculture × AI Regional PR Creator Leveraging years of farming experience, he promotes regional branding through generative AI, social media, and character design. With over 67,000 Instagram followers, he launched the “Nishio Specialties Encyclopedia” project, using AI to turn local products into characters. The project has led to municipal collaborations and extensive media coverage. Based in Nishio City, Aichi Prefecture, he continues to create regional PR initiatives and learning opportunities that merge agriculture and AI.

Participant Feedback (Selected from Survey)

Participants, including producers and event staff, shared overwhelmingly positive feedback after hands-on experience with AI:

"I didn’t understand how to use it before—this was very helpful."

"It was extremely useful to finally get hands-on experience with generative AI, which I rarely have the chance to use."

"I believe there are many more ways to use it—I’d like to study further. Our cooperative should consider hosting training sessions too."

"Thank you for this highly informative seminar. I wish we had more hands-on time (from the organizing team)."

Future Outlook

SHIFT AI views this workshop as a crucial first step in AI adoption within agriculture. Building on past successes in Nishio City and now expanding through collaboration with Gamagori City, the company plans to continue delivering localized support to key players in Japan’s primary industries. By strengthening partnerships with local governments and agricultural cooperatives (JA), SHIFT AI remains committed to advancing AI use across all sectors nationwide, driving toward its mission of making Japan an AI-advanced nation.

About the Gamagori City Agricultural Management Liaison Council

“Agricultural Management Specialists” are farmers certified by the Aichi Prefectural Governor as leaders in regional agriculture.

Since the program’s inception in fiscal year 1971, approximately 2,500 individuals have been certified.

In November 1974, the “Aichi Agricultural Management Specialists Association” was established, now comprising around 700 members who engage in training and information exchange.

The association has regional branches, and Gamagori City belongs to the “Higashi-Mikawa Branch,” participating in its training programs.

Currently, 17 members in Gamagori City form the “Gamagori City Agricultural Management Liaison Council,” conducting both prefectural and independent municipal initiatives.