- The Japanese government plans to provide financial support of approximately 1 trillion yen for the private sector to develop AI technology over the next 5 years.
- This support, equivalent to about $6.3 billion, aims to boost domestic AI capabilities instead of depending on foreign technology.
- The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) may start providing funds from the next fiscal year, starting in April.
- The plan was pushed forward following a statement by Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, who called for an investment of over 1 trillion yen to strengthen public-private cooperation in AI.
- The government has drafted a basic AI plan, outlining a long-term vision for the development and application of AI in Japan.
- The core goal of the plan is to make Japan a world leader in the development and use of AI systems.
- The draft emphasizes the importance of self-developing and self-operating AI, ensuring technological independence and national security.
- METI expects to request an allocation of 300 billion yen in the fiscal year 2026 budget for related costs, equivalent to about $1.9 billion.
- In addition to the annual budget, the ministry is also considering issuing special bonds to mobilize further resources.
- This move shows that Japan regards AI as strategic infrastructure, similar to semiconductors or energy in the long term.
📌 With a support package of approximately $6.3 billion, Japan is sending a strong signal that AI is a national priority. Focusing on developing domestic AI, combining the public and private sectors, helps reduce foreign technology dependence and enhance global competitiveness. If effectively implemented starting from fiscal year 2026, this strategy could reshape Japan’s position in the international AI race.
