A 100-Year-Old Kombu Veteran Starts Using AI: Hidaka Foods Industry Takes a Step into 'Life-Sized AI Integration'

"Can a company of our size really implement AI?" Hidaka Foods Industry Co., Ltd., a long-standing marine product processing manufacturer in Himeji founded in 1924 (Taisho 13), is providing an answer to this common question among SME owners. Based in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, Hidaka Foods is a specialist manufacturer focusing on kombu (kelp) processing and sales. They provide high-quality dashi kombu, wakame, and seaweed products for both commercial and household use, supporting dining tables and the food service industry nationwide. The company thoroughly manages quality for "safety and security," protecting and promoting the charm of "dashi," a traditional Japanese food culture. Having manufactured and sold "tororo kombu" and "dashi" using Hokkaido kelp for 100 years, the company started using AI in the fall of 2024. Instead of a large-scale initial implementation, they are taking a "life-sized" approach by steadily accumulating changes "one step at a time, starting with what can be done." ■ It started with "small uses" at events Following AI integration training, momentum for AI usage has grown within the company. They started with small movements, such as creating announcement videos, thumbnails, and images for event pop-ups using AI, and migrating paper-managed calendars to Google environments to organize data. These "small successes" of seeing how easily things can be created have brought a sense of familiarity with AI to the staff. ■ Building the foundation: The day they stopped paper calendars In parallel, they are working on digitalizing the business environment. They migrated calendars and schedules previously managed on paper to Google Workspace. As information is accumulated and shared as data, they have begun to see what tasks can be delegated to AI. ■ Where they are now Hidaka Foods is currently at the stage where they have finally understood what AI can do. After AI training, all employees share basic knowledge, and each department has started to think about AI usage as their own responsibility. Instead of flashy announcements, steady changes are surely occurring within the company. Voices saying, "It wasn't as difficult as I thought," and "AI can do this too," are starting to be heard. While they are still halfway there, Zept believes that these small accumulations will become the foundation for the next 100 years of this company. ■ About Zept's support Zept LLC (Himeji, Hyogo), which provides the AI management advisory service "External CAIO," has been supporting Hidaka Foods' AI usage since September 2024. With a stance of "you don't have to aim for perfection from the start; let's find the AI usage that fits the site together," they continue monthly advisory meetings. As companies both rooted in Himeji, they have built a long-term partnership. ■ Summary The era when AI was only for large corporations is over. The small step taken by this 100-year-old kombu veteran will surely be a hint for SMEs and long-standing companies nationwide facing similar concerns. Start with "what can be done, one by one." Zept will accompany you in that first step. [Supporting Corporate AI Integration: AI Training and External CAIO Services that Deliver Results in the Field] The key to successful AI usage is not the tool itself, but the growth of the "people" who use it. Generative AI cannot produce results just by introducing tools. What is truly important is for an organization to have the "ability to master it" and a "system for continuous improvement." Zept LLC provides AI training to produce results in practical work and an External CAIO service that stays with you after implementation, based on a track record of supporting over 150 companies and 11,000 individuals nationwide. We provide optimal support tailored to your industry, size, and purpose for challenges such as how to permeate AI within the company or which tasks should be automated first. From AI utilization training where you can learn systematically through videos and workshops to advisory plans that organize and improve issues in monthly meetings, we provide total support for "AI utilization that produces results" in the field. If you are interested in using Generative AI or tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Copilot, please feel free to contact us below. Contact for services and free consultation: https://www.zept7.com Operating Company: Zept LLC Location: 4-54-102 Higashienmue, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture 670-0965 Phone: 079-240-8959 (Hours: 9:00-17:00) Contact: [Name]