To promote the development and application of artificial intelligence (AI), the Japanese government officially established the AI Strategy Headquarters on September 1st. According to a report by the Asahi Shimbun on the 1st, this move aims to improve Japan’s AI research and development and application, which lags behind global leaders. It also aims to regulate the application of AI technology, combat AI-based crimes, and limit the spread of false information.
The report states that the AI Strategy Headquarters is based on the “Law on the Research, Development, and Application of Artificial Intelligence-Related Technologies” (the AI Law), passed in May of this year. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will serve as the head of the headquarters, along with all cabinet members, and Minister of Economic Affairs and Security Minoru Jonouchi as the responsible minister. The Japanese government will also convene an expert meeting of researchers and business executives in the near future to begin formulating basic guidelines for the AI strategy.
At a press conference on September 1st, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated that AI technological innovation has the potential to boost Japan’s productivity and alleviate labor shortages, but it also carries the risk of spreading disinformation and spawning more sophisticated criminal activity. Hayashi stated, “The government will promote innovation while strengthening risk management, striving to make Japan the world’s easiest country for developing and applying AI.”
Jiji Press reported that the newly established AI Strategy Headquarters is not only a policy adjustment but is also seen as an important step for Japan to strengthen its competitiveness and enhance its international influence. At the 14th AI Strategy Conference held in June of this year, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated that the introduction of the AI Law is an important starting point for Japan’s AI policy to enter a new stage. Ishiba emphasized that Japan will continue to promote international cooperation and external publicity in the field of AI before this winter, and will introduce guidelines that AI developers and users must follow. Against the backdrop of the possibility that generative AI may be used to spread false information and infringe on citizens’ rights, the Japanese government has made it clear that if such incidents occur, the state will conduct investigations in accordance with the AI Law and, if necessary, make recommendations to companies for rectification. This means that the AI Strategy Headquarters will not only be a hub for promoting research and development, but will also assume the functions of supervision and risk prevention.
Unlike Europe, which adopted “hard laws” with the 2024 passage of the “Artificial Intelligence Act,” Japan has previously relied primarily on “soft laws” such as guidelines. For example, in April 2024, Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry issued the “Guidelines for AI Business Operators.” While not legally binding, it provides a reference for the industry. In August of the same year, the Cabinet Office launched an AI System Research Council, consulting with researchers and businesses. In February 2025, a summary document was published, establishing AI guidance and investigation mechanisms through legal institutions. The AI Law, formulated based on these recommendations, is Japan’s first law specifically addressing AI systems and has garnered significant attention both domestically and internationally. The AI Law, primarily a fundamental law, clarifies the fundamental principles of AI research, development, and application, requiring the government to formulate a basic AI plan and establish an AI strategic headquarters to coordinate policy implementation. The obligations of businesses are primarily embodied in Article 7, “Responsibilities of Application Business Operators,” which requires them to cooperate with national and local government policies, fulfill their social responsibilities in research and application, and prevent infringement of citizens’ rights. Reports suggest that Japan’s AI development model emphasizes government leadership and collaborative enterprise.
The report notes that the establishment of the AI Strategy Headquarters will be a key milestone in Japan’s transition from soft law to hard law in the AI field. It will serve not only as a policy implementation body but also as a core platform for future AI governance. With the release of the Basic Plan and the advancement of international cooperation, whether Japan can truly narrow the gap with China and the United States and build global competitiveness in AI will remain a focus of international attention.
