Generative AI Usage in Japan: A Closer Look
Generative AI has become a part of everyday life in many countries, yet in Japan, its adoption remains surprisingly low. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications highlighted this in its latest Communications White Paper, noting that only 26.7% of Japanese people have ever used generative AI. This marks a significant increase from last year’s 9.1%, but it still falls well behind countries like China (81.2%), the USA (68.8%), and Germany (59.2%).
This gap is not simply due to Japan’s aging population. Even among people in their 20s, only 44.7% have used generative AI. Business usage is only marginally higher at 49.7%. Interestingly, AI adoption by people in their 30s is actually lower than that of those in their 40s, with 23.8% compared to 29.6% respectively.
Challenges and Cultural Factors
The white paper points out that Japan is behind other AI-advanced countries in technology, industry, and applications, urging further promotion of AI in daily life. Online discussions on popular news portal Hachima Kiko reflect mixed feelings about AI adoption.
- Some users appreciate AI for tasks like expanding search results and proofreading.
- Others highlight Japan’s slow adoption of other technologies, such as cashless payments, as a broader cultural hurdle.
- Suggestions include replacing TV personalities with AI-generated characters to reduce harassment and abuse.
- There’s curiosity about whether Japanese game developers are leveraging AI to optimize memory usage.
- Several comments stress the need to modernize infrastructure, referencing outdated technology like floppy disks and fax machines.
- Some feel there’s a preference for human warmth over AI interaction.
- Concerns about legal issues and social backlash for AI users were also raised, although arrests cited involved illegal activities rather than AI use itself.
These reflections suggest that adoption may require not just technological advancement but also cultural and infrastructural shifts.
Balancing Adoption with Effectiveness
While some countries push aggressively into AI, the experience with AI customer service bots abroad hasn't always been impressive. This could explain why Japan’s approach appears more cautious—waiting until AI tools perform reliably before fully embracing them.
For government communicators and PR professionals, this signals an opportunity. Encouraging responsible and practical AI use, supporting local AI development, and addressing societal concerns can help increase adoption. Focusing on education and clear communication around AI’s benefits and limitations will be key.
Those interested in expanding their knowledge or training in AI can explore resources such as Complete AI Training to stay informed about the latest developments and practical applications.
Conclusion
Japan’s generative AI adoption lags behind other countries, but this isn’t solely due to demographics. Cultural attitudes, infrastructure, and experiences with AI’s current capabilities all play a role. For government and communications professionals, understanding these factors is critical to shaping future policies and initiatives that foster wider, more effective AI use in Japan.
Your membership also unlocks:
