Japan aims for 80% public AI adoption in new national strategy

The Japanese government has formulated a comprehensive draft strategy aimed at dramatically expanding the public's use of artificial intelligence. The plan sets an initial goal of 50% adoption among the population, with a long-term target of reaching 80%, as part of a broader effort to strengthen the nation's position in the global AI landscape.

Closing the Gap with Global Leaders

The strategy, reported by Jiji Press, emerges in response to Japan's current lag in AI adoption. With a generative AI usage rate of just 26.7%, Japan trails significantly behind the United States (68.8%) and China (81.2%). The draft frames AI as essential future infrastructure—"an intellectual foundation and an execution platform"—and argues that widespread societal use is critical for nurturing domestic AI technology development.

Mobilizing Investment and Government Backing

A key component of the plan involves incentivizing approximately 1 trillion yen (nearly $6.4 billion) in private-sector investment to accelerate research and development. The government intends to approve the finalized basic program in a cabinet meeting before the end of the year, signaling high-level political commitment to transforming Japan into a more competitive AI-powered society.

A Strategic National Imperative

This initiative represents a strategic pivot to integrate AI deeply into Japan's economic and social fabric. By setting clear adoption targets and creating a framework for public-private investment, Tokyo aims to ensure AI becomes a driver of innovation and productivity, countering the current dominance of US and Chinese technologies in the field.