Japan has unveiled a revised national artificial intelligence (AI) strategy designed to bolster security, enhance domestic AI development, and diminish dependence on foreign technology sources. This updated policy, sanctioned on July 14, emerges merely six months after the initial strategy was launched, underscoring the swift evolution of AI technologies and heightened cybersecurity concerns.
The Japanese government has committed to reassessing current AI-related laws and frameworks while seeking to expand international cooperation to counter new security threats. Officials have pointed out that advanced AI models have increased the sophistication and ease with which cyber threats can be carried out. A central aim of this updated strategy is to secure greater “AI sovereignty” by improving Japan’s capability to develop and manage AI technologies within its own borders.
Additionally, the strategy introduces an AI Transformation (AX) initiative to integrate AI into decision-making processes, industry practices, and workforce development. Japan plans to focus its efforts on vertical AI, which targets specific sectors like healthcare and manufacturing, as well as physical AI, encompassing robotics and autonomous driving technologies.
In alignment with the government’s long-term growth strategy, Japan has set ambitious targets for investment, aiming to draw in 23.1 trillion yen from both public and private sectors for vertical AI by fiscal 2040. Furthermore, it seeks to secure 10.5 trillion yen for advancements in physical AI during the same timeframe.
