About 80% Feel AI Is Part of Daily Life, with ChatGPT Leading Usage at Nearly 70%; Users Report Gaining Time, Confidence, and Reduced Stress and Loneliness

Kufu Institute for Comprehensive Consumer Research (Kufu Institute), which conducts research and disseminates insights to enhance individual and societal life satisfaction, has conducted an awareness survey on AI usage among 7,104 consumers.

Due to the rapid spread of generative AI—capable of creating diverse original content—AI (artificial intelligence) has evolved from a specialized tool into an integral part of daily life. Generative AI is increasingly discussed in conversations and news media. This survey delves into how consumers across generations perceive AI, in which situations they use it, and what value they derive from it.

Survey Summary

・Approximately 80% feel AI is part of daily life

・About 70% have used ChatGPT, and about 60% have used Gemini

・Around 80% want to use AI for information searches and explanations; about 30% for conversation or venting

・Over 60% report gaining more time thanks to AI; about 30% feel reduced stress or loneliness

Survey Overview

Survey Theme: Awareness Survey on AI Usage

Survey Area: Nationwide

Survey Participants: A total of 7,104 users of the household budgeting service "Kufu Zaim" and the flyer/shopping information service "Kufu Tokubai"

Survey Period: May 29 (Fri), 2026 – June 1 (Mon), 2026

Survey Method: Internet-based survey

About 80% feel AI is part of daily life

Approximately 80% of respondents reported feeling that AI is close in their daily lives (39.1% "feel very close," 38.7% "feel somewhat close").

The proportion who feel AI is close increases with younger generations, but even among those aged 70 and above, 60.4% feel AI is close, indicating that AI usage has spread across all age groups.

About 70% have used ChatGPT, about 60% have used Gemini

Among AI services used, "conversational and text-generation AI" (67.0%) and "smartphone voice conversational AI" (45.9%) ranked highest. By service, usage rates ("use regularly" or "have used") were highest for "ChatGPT" (67.8%), followed by "Gemini" (56.2%).

About 80% want to use AI for information searches and explanations; about 30% for conversation or venting

The survey asked how people currently use AI in daily life and what they would like to use it for.

The most common response was "information search and explanations" (81.5%), indicating strong demand for AI in research and clarification. Other popular uses include "travel itinerary planning," "recipe suggestions using leftovers," and "exercise program creation." Notably, about 29.6% expressed interest in using AI as a casual conversation partner or someone to vent to, highlighting its role as a communication tool.

The survey received numerous real-life anecdotes showing how generative AI has become an accessible presence.

Real-Life Stories: "AI Was Extremely Helpful," "I'm Glad It Exists" (From Survey Responses)

・Used for replying to LINE messages from mom friends, school assignments, and children's free research projects (Female, 50s)

・Frequently use it for palm reading and tarot fortune-telling. Surprisingly fun and a good way to pass the time (Female, 30s)

・Used for diet support. It fits well as a companion to rapidly cycle through PDCA, and I lost 15 kg in a year (Male, 30s)

・Generative AI is now indispensable for my child's exam preparation—explaining geography and history terms, creating similar practice problems for incorrect answers, analyzing mock test results, and planning study schedules (Female, 40s)

・After teaching my elderly mother how to use AI, she started consulting it about pet care, reducing her calls to me. It’s a relief, especially when I’m busy (Female, 50s)

・When planning a trip, I shared various preferences and received unexpected suggestions, making for a fun trip (Male, 60s)

・I can consult about anything I can’t tell others. It casually explains things I don’t know (Female, 40s)

・Conducted self-analysis and organized my thoughts from perspectives I’d never considered before. This increased my trust in AI, enabling me to increasingly consult it on high-risk topics like health and finance (Male, 30s)

・Sometimes I’m unsure whether something is worth taking up someone else’s time to ask or consult about, but AI is a great conversational partner when I can’t reach a conclusion alone (Female, 40s)

Regarding AI-generated responses for daily consultations and research, nearly 70% (66.0%) chose the option "somewhat trustworthy." While most ultimately make their own decisions, they generally accept AI’s answers. About 27.2% selected "not very trustworthy," indicating they treat AI output as a reference or feel double-checking is necessary.

Over 60% report gaining more time thanks to AI; about 30% feel reduced stress or loneliness

When asked about changes in lifestyle and mindset after incorporating AI, the most common response was "household chores, research, and work take less time, giving me more time" (64.1%). As generative AI is often used as a sounding board when uncertain, "gaining confidence in my choices and decisions" (40.4%) was also common. Among those using AI for mental care, "daily minor stress and loneliness are alleviated" (27.4%) ranked highly.

Looking ahead, about 60% (59.8%) expect "higher information accuracy," the most common response, followed by "fraud and security measures" (22.0%).

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The survey results clearly show that AI is steadily becoming a "trusted partner" for consumers, supporting everything from daily searches to decision-making.

● About Kufu Institute for Comprehensive Consumer Research

By analyzing and understanding consumer behavior data and real-life feedback accumulated through the operation of consumer-facing services provided by the Kufu Company Group, the institute aims to disseminate information that contributes to improving individual and societal life satisfaction.

● About the Flyer and Shopping Information Service "Kufu Tokubai" https://tokubai.co.jp/

Launched in 2013, this web service and app features flyers and shopping information from various retail stores, including food supermarkets. Information can be viewed free of charge via PC or smartphone. As of January 2026, it serves over 1.7 million users monthly, primarily women aged 30–50, and features approximately 270,000 stores.

* "Tokubai" changed its service name to "Kufu Tokubai" in October 2025

● About the Household Budgeting Service "Kufu Zaim" https://zaim.net

"Kufu Zaim," a household budgeting service with over 12 million downloads, is a smart