AI in Japan: Challenges, Ethics and Innovation
Three major events in Tokyo highlighted how the fast-developing AI sector is transforming—for good and bad—global and local business and societies.
“As generative AI becomes more widespread, Japan is confronting new risks—from the spread of misinformation to the rise of deepfake content, particularly sexually explicit material targeting women and children,” said The Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan to announce a press conference entitled Confronting Deepfakes: Japan’s Next Steps in the Age of AI, on June 24. “Japan recently made its first arrests for the sale of AI-generated pornography and passed a new law on May 28 to promote AI development while addressing its dangers.”
Fujitsu Limited Data & Security Research Laboratory Senior Project Director Dai Yamamoto told the assembled media that his NEDO “K” Project is developing technologies to counter AI misuse and misinformation. Future plans include helping develop a digital society with global security and stability. “Our plan is to trial, demonstrate and introduce in fiscal 2025 a first version pilot project platform geared toward government agencies and private organizations to counter disinformation,” he said.
New uses would include automatic fact-checking of disinformation related to natural disasters and economic security, especially for media, local governments and the defence sector. “This would also help enhance Japan’s reputation and competitive advantage, and it is very important that the media play a key role in this”
AI research institute Nablas Inc. CEO Kotaro Nakayama, meanwhile, urged society to adapt to generative AI through public education, legal reform and technological safeguards. “We cannot stop the technological evolution, but we must take actions to monitor and control it.”
Exploring the Role of Japan in Shaping a More Ethical and Secure Future with AI
On June 16, The Asiatic Society of Japan (ASJ) presented “Living in the Age of AI: Political, Economic, Social, Educational, Technological and Philosophical Implications,” a lecture by Dr Yuichiro Anzai, a senior advisor at the Japan Society for Promotion of Science.
Dr Anzai mulled what it means to live in “this remarkable era of AI” in a one-hour talk for those with just a basic knowledge of AI. But he referred to diverse and complex topics in areas being affected by AI such as politics, economy, social life, education, technology and philosophy.
According to Dr Anzai, ongoing progress of AI technology is having a tremendous impact on our contemporary society. “AI is changing virtually everything in the world: from politics and national security to the economy and finance, to employment and legal systems, to educational methodologies, to ways of doing science, technology and healthcare, and to how we deal with ethical, moral and other philosophical issues.”
Dr Anzai, who has devoted his academic career to cognitive science and AI since the mid-1970s, is particularly known for his work on learning by doing and human interaction with robots.
“The impact of AI, with the worldwide spread of the Internet and other digital technologies, is comparable to the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries that changed the whole world at the time,” said Dr Anzai who has worked at Keio University, the University of Edinburgh and McGill University.
He was also the dean of the School of Science and Technology and chaired the Strategic Council for AI Technology under the Cabinet office.
How can we plan now for much higher unemployment in the future caused by AI? The long-predicted decrease in the working-age population may not be enough to compensate for this and could have serious implications. “I think it is more important than ever to train and acquire skills for problem solving and communications. This is where AI has not made such an impact yet and is not expected to in the near future,” said Dr Anzai.
Answering a question from the audience, Dr Anzai spoke passionately about the urgent need to strengthen rules and regulations for AI to avoid it being misused. “Many governments and organisations have been slow so far in this,” he said.
Is AI triggering a decay in democracy and human rights? He said the three biggest threats born during and after WWII are nuclear weapons, gene editing and AI. “Ethical regulations are a must and urgent. Creating a code of ethics is the first step in developing ethical AI.”
This code should outline the values and principles that your AI system should follow. “The code should be created in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, such as staff, customers and industry experts,” said Dr Anzai who has been designated as a Person of Cultural Merit and awarded the Medal of Purple Ribbon by the Japanese government. “Children should learn how to get motivated by discussing AI with friends and study languages,” he added. “One major weakness of AI is giving reasons and explanations.”
On the danger of nuclear warfare, he said that Japan, the EU and UK have very good ties in terms of AI and other factors, but the US and China are in continuous and multiple disputes. “Japan and Europe can fill the gap caused by this US-China conflict.”
Summing up, he said that Japan must strengthen national and economic security. “With its unique culture and history, Japan should play a mediating role to keep the world from an unbridgable divide.” Also, the serious divide between Humanities & Social Sciences and Science & Technology in Japanese culture and education should be eliminated. “We need a new philosophy for living in the age of AI.”
ASJ Patron HIH Princess Takamado thanked Dr Anzai for his fascinating lecture that had left her “hopeful but a bit frightened.”
AI for HR: Transforming Talent Strategies in Japan and Beyond
AI Risk & Counsel Harold Godsoe; EY partner Christopher Snow and
Robert Walters Japan Director of Innovation & AI Faye Walshe
The British Chamber of Commerce in Japan earlier hosted a panel discussion at the Trunk Hotel in Shibuya on June 11 entitled “Human vs. Machine: The Great Business Reshape—How AI is Reshaping Recruitment, HR Operations and Compliance.”
With talent acquisition emerging as a top challenge for companies across all sectors, now is the time to explore how AI can enhance hiring and workforce strategies, according to Faye Walshe, director of innovation & AI at Robert Walters Japan.
London-based Walshe leads the company’s technological advancements to address productivity challenges and drive strategic growth. By harnessing AI, she and her team develop cutting-edge, bespoke automation solutions that enhance efficiency and optimize operations across the global business.
“AI is rapidly reshaping the world of work, driving transformation in HR and talent acquisition. From streamlining recruitment and improving decision-making to addressing emerging legal risks, AI is redefining how organisations attract, manage and retain talent,” she said.
A panel of experts explored how businesses in Japan and globally are implementing AI-driven solutions across recruitment and HR operations. The panel also included BCCJ Executive Committee member Nicola Vote; Tokyo AI Hub founder Ilya Kulyatin; Kojima Law Offices AI Risk & Counsel Harold Godsoe and EY partner Christopher Snow.
Key Insights: AI’s Expanding Global Role in HR and Talent Strategy
AI is transforming recruitment strategies across sectors in Japan and globally. Microsoft’s leadership in enterprise AI is grounded in six principles: fairness, reliability, safety, privacy, inclusiveness, transparency and accountability. Its influence and credibility make it a model for responsible AI integration in HR.
AI is significantly improving productivity across industries by enhancing data analysis, streamlining workflows, supporting faster decision-making and enabling better collaboration. However, companies in Japan must pair these tools with clear strategies to realize long-term gains.
Business leaders must address the strategic risks of AI, including algorithmic bias, data security threats and ethical concerns. A transparent, responsible AI strategy and strong data governance are essential for success in the Japanese and global markets.
Companies operating in Japan must navigate complex legal issues such as employment law, data privacy regulations and intellectual property rights. Failing to manage these risks could lead to problems with discrimination, lack of transparency or legal accountability.
HR leaders should embrace AI to set performance benchmarks, automate reviews and analyze retention trends. In Japan’s competitive talent market, AI-driven strategies can help reduce staff turnover and align workforce planning with business goals.