Japan recently kicked off a major step toward shaping its future in artificial intelligence . In early September 2025, the Japanese government held its first formal meeting of the AI Strategy Headquarters , a body chaired by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Their goal: draft a basic plan by the end of the year that will guide Japan’s use, development, and governance of AI. The move responds to growing concern that Japan has fallen behind global leaders in adopting and investing in AI technologies.
Realizing Japan’s AI Potential Why Now and What the Policy Intends
Japan’s new law passed in May 2025 the Act on Promotion of Research and Development and Utilization of AI-Related Technologies gave the government legal footing to push ahead. The AI Strategy Headquarters formed under that law pulls together all cabinet ministers to coordinate policy, guideline setting, and risk management
The draft outline of Japan’s basic AI plan emphasizes four major policy pillars. First, accelerate AI use across society, including in private sector and government services. Second, strengthen domestic research, development, and innovation capabilities so Japan can compete in core AI technologies. Third, lead in governance and regulation that aligns with international norms. Fourth, drive social transformation toward what officials call a “human-centric AI society” that balances innovation with ethical, safety, and privacy concerns.
Japan’s AI Use and Investment Currently Trail Behind
Despite its global reputation for technology, Japan lags in AI investment and adoption. The government notes that for its economic scale, AI deployment has remained minimal. Many institutions, companies, and local governments express interest, but uptake remains uneven. Concerns over security, unclear regulations, lack of strong incentives, and talent shortages slow momentum.
For example, surveys show high public awareness of generative AI, but far fewer people and businesses actually use it. One study found that although many Japanese had heard of generative AI, only a small share engaged with it meaningfully either due to concerns over privacy, or because tools and infrastructure lag behind what’s available abroad.
Governance, Risk, and International Norms
Japan emphasizes that its AI policy will not just push for wider use, but also build in safeguards. The draft basic plan calls for risk management, aligning government and private sector practices with international standards, implementing guidelines on appropriate use, and ensuring that AI develops in ways that protect citizens’ rights.
The government plans to monitor AI closely—tracking use, evaluating harms, and adapting policy as needed. While the new AI law does not impose heavy penalties for every misstep, it grants authorities powers to require cooperation and to set guidelines that businesses must follow. Transparency, accountability, and human oversight will play central roles.
Resource-scarce Japan gets more trains running on renewables 
South Korea, Japan defense ministers explore tech cooperation 
Japan and S. Korea Expand Working Holiday Program at Summit 
Nvidia joins development of successor to Japan’s Fugaku 
Senegal President Calls for Japan’s Support in Africa’s Tech 
Japan Reaffirms Its Stance on Western Sahara at TICAD 9