TOKYO - Generative artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of everyday life, with people using conversational systems for everything from relationships and parenting to health concerns and online searches. East Japan Railway began a trial on July 20 using generative AI to help customers purchase tickets at its staffed Midori no Madoguchi ticket counters. Masayoshi Son, chairman and chief executive of SoftBank Group, said last week that AI could replace about 20% of global gross domestic product by 2040. "To understand how large 20% is, it would amount to 7 quadrillion yen," Son said. Among the various forms of generative AI, conversational services such as ChatGPT are likely the most frequently used.