Japan has been establishing dialogue frameworks for artificial intelligence with like-minded countries and Global South partners to reduce reliance on top US and Chinese firms and promote domestic companies abroad. The growing Japan AI cooperation push reflects a broader shift among countries seeking collaboration, rather than going it alone, to compete in the fast-moving AI field. At home, Japan is also working to foster its own domestic AI ecosystem.
The US decision to restrict foreign access to AI developer Anthropic’s Fable and Mythos models has further underscored the risks of relying on AI technology developed overseas.
Deepening Ties With India
At a summit in early July, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi agreed to deepen AI-related cooperation on data centres and semiconductors. The two leaders also pledged to hold regular dialogue on AI, building on a framework that began in April.
Talks With France, Malaysia, Britain and Brazil
Japan and France held their first high-level AI talks in Paris in June to discuss cooperation, including with developing countries collectively known as the Global South. Japanese firms, including major tech investor SoftBank and leading domestic AI start-up Sakana AI K.K., attended the talks.
In mid-July, Japan and Malaysia held their first meeting on an AI platform designed to match firms from both countries to tackle social challenges using the technology, following an agreement reached during bilateral summit talks in Tokyo in June. Arrangements for similar dialogue frameworks with Britain and Brazil are also under way.
“This is an important diplomatic issue with direct implications for national security,” a senior foreign ministry official said.
A National Security Priority at Home
The government under Takaichi is aiming to boost public-private sector investment in strategic areas, including AI, as part of her broader drive to strengthen national security. The cabinet approved an updated version of the country’s AI Basic Plan in mid-July, roughly six months after the previous version was finalised, underscoring Japan’s determination to keep pace with rapid AI development.
The plan aims to promote various types of AI technology, including vertical AI tailored to specific industries and physical AI involving robotics, building on Japan’s existing technological strengths. It also seeks to achieve AI sovereignty through cooperation with like-minded countries.
