Gemini Overtakes ChatGPT as the Top Generative AI Tool in Japan's SES and Freelance Agent Industry
A survey of 130 professionals in the SES and freelance agent industry, conducted by Freelance Board (operated by INSTANTROOM Inc.), revealed that generative AI has become 'business infrastructure.' 84.6% of companies now cover the costs, and Gemini (78.5%) has surpassed ChatGPT (75.4%) as the most used tool. With 95.4% of users reporting quality improvements and 100% intending to expand its use, the survey highlights high satisfaction and expectations for the technology.
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- 📰 Published: May 21, 2026 at 04:26
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Freelance Board, a job search site for freelance engineers operated by INSTANTROOM Inc., has released a report on its 'Survey on the Actual Use of Generative AI.' The survey targeted 130 individuals belonging to SES (System Engineering Service) and freelance agent companies.
The results revealed that within this industry, generative AI has transitioned from a tool used at individual discretion to a 'business infrastructure' that companies are budgeting for.
Key findings are as follows:
84.6% of companies bear the cost of generative AI tools, with the utilization rate of paid plans reaching 70%. 'Fully company-funded' accounted for 74.6%, and 'partially company-funded/subsidized' was 10.0%, indicating a trend towards company-led adoption. Only 8.5% of costs were personally funded. The most common price range was '¥4,000 to ¥8,000' at 26.9%.
Regarding the tools used (multiple answers allowed), 'Gemini' was the most popular at 78.5% (102 people), closely followed by 'ChatGPT' at 75.4% (98 people). These two have become the standard tools in the industry. 'NotebookLM' followed at 40.8% (53 people). The majority of respondents use multiple AI services, indicating that運用 based on specific use-cases is becoming common.
Concerning the results of using generative AI, 95.4% felt that the quality of their deliverables had 'improved' or 'somewhat improved.' This shows it is valued not just as a time-saving tool but as one that enhances output quality. Furthermore, when asked about future intentions, 100% of respondents answered they 'want to utilize it more,' demonstrating a strong industry-wide desire for further expansion.
The survey was conducted online by INSTANTROOM Inc. from December 22 to December 24, 2025.
The results revealed that within this industry, generative AI has transitioned from a tool used at individual discretion to a 'business infrastructure' that companies are budgeting for.
Key findings are as follows:
84.6% of companies bear the cost of generative AI tools, with the utilization rate of paid plans reaching 70%. 'Fully company-funded' accounted for 74.6%, and 'partially company-funded/subsidized' was 10.0%, indicating a trend towards company-led adoption. Only 8.5% of costs were personally funded. The most common price range was '¥4,000 to ¥8,000' at 26.9%.
Regarding the tools used (multiple answers allowed), 'Gemini' was the most popular at 78.5% (102 people), closely followed by 'ChatGPT' at 75.4% (98 people). These two have become the standard tools in the industry. 'NotebookLM' followed at 40.8% (53 people). The majority of respondents use multiple AI services, indicating that運用 based on specific use-cases is becoming common.
Concerning the results of using generative AI, 95.4% felt that the quality of their deliverables had 'improved' or 'somewhat improved.' This shows it is valued not just as a time-saving tool but as one that enhances output quality. Furthermore, when asked about future intentions, 100% of respondents answered they 'want to utilize it more,' demonstrating a strong industry-wide desire for further expansion.
The survey was conducted online by INSTANTROOM Inc. from December 22 to December 24, 2025.
FAQ
What is the main industry trend identified in this survey?
The key trend is that generative AI has shifted from a personal hobby tool to essential business infrastructure funded by companies, with everyone wanting to expand its use.
Why might Gemini's usage rate have surpassed ChatGPT's?
The article doesn't state the reason, but it could potentially be due to its perceived strengths in areas like coding assistance, long-text comprehension, or API integration.
What is Freelance Board's 'AI Match' feature?
It's a function where freelance engineers register their desired conditions, and an AI automatically suggests the most suitable jobs from over 510,000 listings.