Japan is set to prioritize the domestic development of artificial intelligence as a core pillar of its national security policy, according to government sources on Sunday.
The forthcoming AI strategy will outline measures to reduce the nation’s reliance on foreign technology while advancing homegrown expertise and infrastructure.
The comprehensive plan will focus on attracting top AI professionals through improved pay and working conditions, enhancing collaboration between universities, research institutions, and industry, and accelerating the creation of cutting-edge semiconductors and a next-generation supercomputer to succeed Riken’s Fugaku.
With global competition intensifying between the United States and China, Japan remains behind in AI innovation and utilization.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has emphasized the need to reverse this trend, underscoring AI’s pivotal role in shaping national power and security.
The AI task force, established in September, aims to finalize the national strategy by the end of the year. A draft expected later this month will stress the importance of technological independence, stating that Japan must not rely excessively on foreign AI models that influence its strategic capabilities.
The plan will also address national security threats posed by AI, such as cyberattacks and the spread of misinformation, while fostering an environment that promotes innovation. Tokyo’s long-term vision is to position Japan as the world’s most AI-friendly nation for development and application.
Despite progress in the private sector, Japan still trails major powers in AI adoption, with only 27 percent of its population using generative AI in fiscal 2024, compared to 69 percent in the United States and 81 percent in China
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