Tokyo, Dec. 23 (Jiji Press)—The Japanese government has unveiled its inaugural basic plan for the development and utilization of artificial intelligence during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday. This comprehensive strategy aims to position Japan as a leader in AI by fostering a reliable technological environment that balances innovation with risk management.
The need for this plan arises from Japan’s current standing in the global AI landscape. Despite being an advanced economy, Japan is falling behind not only other technological powerhouses but also smaller nations, according to the plan. As the gap widens, the government is committed to reversing this trend by leveraging the country’s robust data infrastructure and communication capabilities.
Central to the plan is the goal of accelerating AI utilization across various sectors, while simultaneously enhancing the nation’s strategic development capabilities in AI. It emphasizes the importance of improving the reliability of AI technologies and using these advancements to transform societal operations.
Among the specific initiatives outlined, the government aims to expedite the integration of AI within both central and local government operations. Furthermore, the plan highlights the necessity of advancing domestic AI models and so-called physical AI, which integrates robotics. These technologies are seen as essential tools for Japan’s competitive edge in the evolving global AI race.
Addressing public concerns regarding AI, the plan includes provisions to bolster the Japan AI Safety Institute. This government body will expand its workforce to ensure thorough assessments of AI safety and provide reassurance to citizens about the technology’s reliability.
The plan also underscores the importance of education in nurturing future AI experts. It mandates that elementary and junior high school students receive foundational instruction in AI, aiming to cultivate a new generation proficient in this transformative field.
This basic plan was developed in accordance with the AI promotion law enacted in May and will undergo annual revisions to remain relevant. The government intends to create a roadmap that includes investment targets by next summer, which will be integrated into future updates of the plan.
As Japan seeks to reclaim its status in the AI sector, the success of this initiative is crucial for its economic and technological future. The government’s proactive approach reflects an understanding of the critical role that AI will play in various aspects of society, from governance to everyday life. If Japan can effectively harness its high-quality data and communication systems, it may not only close the gap with other nations but also redefine its role within the global technological landscape.
See also
Ukraine Rises to 40th in Global AI Readiness Index, Surpassing US in Digital Government Services
State Governments Brace for AI Regulation Changes in 2026 Amid Trump’s Executive Order
Kazakhstan Achieves 60th in Government AI Readiness Index 2025, Up from 76th Last Year
Japan’s Government Unveils AI Basic Plan to Foster Trustworthy Domestic AI Models
Data Vault Pakistan Partners with NCP CoE AITeC to Boost Sovereign AI and HPC Capabilities
