[Report on Preparations for the Opening of the Faculty of Human Information Science 03] The Inside Story of "Free" Services and the Future of AI - Learning about Data and Business Mechanisms from LINE and Yahoo!

On July 16th, a special online lecture was held in the "Digital Society and Technology" course (taught Professor Koji Hata), with the cooperation of LINE Yahoo! Corporation. Yuki Inai and Daisuke Tsunoda from the Data&AI CoE CBU Enablement Unit of LINE Yahoo! JAPAN, the company that operates services such as "LINE," "Yahoo! JAPAN," and "PayPay," used by approximately 80% of Japan's population, were invited as Lecturer to talk on the theme of "The Future Transformed by Data and AI." This was the third time that LINE Yahoo! JAPAN has given a lecture, and the third consecutive year that this event has been held.

In this class, we will learn how rapidly advancing digitalization is changing society and our lives, and cultivate a perspective on creating new value by utilizing technology. The theme of the first half is "Yahoo's Monetization Mechanism." We were given an explanation of how services such as search and news, which we use for free every day, are built as businesses. One of the main sources of revenue is advertising, and the accuracy of this advertising is supported by the combination of data. By combining usage trends of LINE official accounts, stamp purchase history, and Yahoo! JAPAN search and purchase history, it becomes possible to analyze behavioral patterns such as gender, age, area, and time of day, and to meet the advertiser's need to "reach this person"—we were given a concrete explanation of the cycle in which value is created for users, advertisers, and companies, along with specific figures.

The theme for the second half was "LINE's AI Utilization." Looking back at the changes from the emergence of generative AI in 2022 to the present, it was explained that the era will shift from AI that answers questions to "agent AI" that autonomously performs tasks such as reservations and procedures on behalf of humans. It was mentioned that LINE's AI agent "Agent i," which will be available from April 2026, aims to become a personal assistant used by 100 million people every day, and it was pointed out that the business model itself will change in an era where "AI researches, suggests, and completes the purchase." The company is actively promoting the use of AI within the company, and the phrases "Don't restrict AI, make full use of it" and "Don't let AI take your job, use AI to increase your own capabilities tenfold" left a strong impression on the participants.
In the feedback after the lecture, many participants shared insights such as, "I never imagined that such meticulous data utilization and business design were behind free services," and "I finally understand why relevant ads are displayed to me." Regarding AI, some said, "I previously had vague anxieties about it, but now I see it as something to be fully utilized," while others took to heart the message that "Technology may change, but the essence of business remains the same. Knowledge of Business Administration is the foundation for intelligently utilizing AI," and commented that they had specifically revised their learning plans for the fall semester and beyond. During the Q&A session, students asked questions one after another, and the lively exchange continued until the very end of the allotted time.

The Faculty of Human Information aims to broaden students' perspectives and inspire them to take on challenges through experiences collaborating with a variety of companies and experts, including LINE Yahoo! Japan Corporation, who kindly cooperated with us on this project.

(Source: Faculty of Human Information Sciences Establishment Preparation Office)

[Faculty of Human Information Science (Scheduled to open in April 2027. Application for establishment approval is pending) *]
The Faculty of Human Information Science Otemae University transcends the traditional boundaries of information science, aiming to design a people-friendly future by integrating "information technology" with "sensibility" and "digital expression."

Faculty of Human Information Science website
*The Faculty of Human Information Science (tentative name) is currently undergoing application for establishment approval. Content may be subject to change.