ZVC JAPAN Co., Ltd., the Japanese subsidiary of U.S.-based Zoom Communications, has unveiled its new office and the Zoom Experience Hub Tokyo. The move, set for October 2024, is a milestone. It will be the company’s first fully operational office in Japan. The press was invited to preview the facility on the 29th.
Norihiro Shimogaki, Chairman and President of ZVC JAPAN, highlighted why this move is so important. “This relocation reaffirms our commitment to Japan and highlights our focus on serving our domestic customers. We will use this office as a hub to enhance the value of our platform for Japanese users,” he stated.
Supporting Flexible Work Styles
The new office is designed to accommodate various work styles through Zoom’s solutions. “Of our approximately 150 employees, many live beyond an 80km commuting radius from Tokyo. Some work overseas, while others work from their parents’ homes to provide care. Our employees have the flexibility to choose a work style that suits their circumstances,” Shimogaki explained.
He added that employees within commuting distance should visit the office twice a week. Attendance is not strictly monitored. “Our culture remains unchanged—we want individuals to work in a way that suits them and ensures they enjoy their jobs,” he affirmed.
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Zoom’s Evolution: AI-First Approach
Shimogaki also highlighted the company’s recent name change. In November 2024, the U.S. headquarters transitioned from Zoom Video Communications to Zoom Communications, signaling a shift from a video-based platform to an AI-first approach. The Zoom Experience Hub Tokyo showcases various AI-powered features, allowing visitors to experience these advancements firsthand.
Expanding Zoom’s Presence in Japan
Zoom’s business in Japan continues to grow, with its solutions being adopted across various industries. The widespread use of Zoom Meetings and Zoom Phone is evident in companies like Japan Airlines, NEC, and Chateraise. “Many of our customers report cost savings and increased efficiency, leading to organic growth as new users are introduced,” Shimogaki noted.
The adoption of AI-driven solutions is also accelerating. Zoom Revenue Accelerator, which enhances communication skills by analyzing phone conversations, is gaining traction. Meanwhile, sales of Zoom Contact Center, an AI-powered cloud contact center, have officially begun in Japan.
Enhancing Public and Education Sectors
Shimogaki expressed a vision for Zoom to serve as a critical communication infrastructure in sectors such as local communities, government, education, and healthcare. To spearhead this initiative, Sayuri Nozawa joined the company in September 2024 as the Executive Officer leading the Public and Education Sales Division.
Nozawa outlined the company’s mission: “Japan is facing a severe labor shortage due to its declining population and birth rate. Digital technology is being leveraged to improve efficiency in government, education, and healthcare. Zoom aims to play a vital role in these efforts.”
AI-Powered Features and Data Security
At the Zoom Experience Hub, visitors witnessed a demonstration of the generative AI assistant, Zoom AI Companion. This tool streamlines tasks by summarizing Zoom Phone conversations, extracting key actions from voicemail messages, and condensing essential meeting points for those who missed discussions.
Security remains a top priority in AI implementation. Shimogaki assured that “we have strict security controls and undergo third-party audits.” He emphasized Zoom’s AI policy: “We do not release stored data publicly, nor do we use other companies’ data to enhance Zoom’s AI features. While we may use data to improve internal AI functions for our customers, we will never sell or share it externally.”
Shimogaki also addressed concerns about data retention. “While some platforms erase chat content immediately and avoid keeping records, Zoom is designed to connect people, so we retain data responsibly. However, we maintain stringent control over how stored data is managed.”
A Future-Focused AI-First Platform
Looking ahead, Shimogaki reinforced Zoom’s commitment to innovation. “We will continue to evolve as an AI-first platform. We invite everyone to visit the Zoom Experience Hub and explore the capabilities AI can bring to communication and collaboration.”
With its new office and experience hub, ZVC JAPAN aims to drive the future of work, enhancing flexibility and efficiency while supporting Japan’s digital transformation.
