‘AI’s Best Friend’: the Japanese Government’s Narrative about AI

Abstract This article examines the Japanese government’s narrative about artificial intelligence ( AI ) from 2021 to 2024, focusing on how the government framed AI , the evolution of this framing, and whether Japan’s narrative aligns with prior research on the topic. The analysis relies on official documents and Diet discussions by the two cabinets under Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during this period. Our results indicate frequent use of the narrative of AI as an inevitable, disruptive technology subject to international competition, as noted in previous literature. However, Japan has also developed unique AI narratives, emphasizing its openness to AI , a desire to lead in writing international regulations, and a preference for light regulation that does not hinder progress. AI is also seen as a potential solution to the challenge of an ageing and shrinking population. However, awareness of the risks has also grown over time, in particular concerning copyright and disinformation issues.