Japan’s AI Future Uncertain as Public Concerns Grow

Professor of Media and Journalism Studies at the University of Tokyo, Dr. Kaori Hayashi, has revealed that despite Japan’s global reputation as a high-tech powerhouse, the country is grappling with skepticism and resistance to the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly within its media and cultural spaces.

Speaking at the JICA Chair public lecture at the University of Ghana, Dr. Hayashi explained that while Japan is at the forefront of technological innovation, AI has not yet gained the societal trust needed for seamless integration into everyday life.

“Japan may be perceived as a leader in robotics and technology, but the reality is far more complicated,” Dr. Hayashi stated.

“Our society is cautious, particularly when it comes to AI’s impact on media, democracy, and public trust.”

She noted that while Japan’s government is heavily promoting AI as a solution to social challenges such as an aging population and economic stagnation, public skepticism remains high.

For example, Japan’s AI investment remains significantly lower than other global players, with only $0.93 billion invested privately in 2024, compared to $109 billion in the United States.

Dr. Hayashi also highlighted the unique legal environment in Japan, which permits the use of copyrighted material for machine learning, creating favorable conditions for AI development.

However, she emphasized that advanced technology alone does not guarantee societal acceptance.

“Technological advancement does not exist in a vacuum,” she stressed.

“For AI to truly transform society, it must be trusted, integrated, and aligned with the values of the people.”

Drawing on her research, Dr. Hayashi examined how Japan’s three leading newspapers — Nikkei, Asahi, and Yomiuri — have responded to AI developments, each reflecting distinct editorial perspectives shaped by ideology and business models.

Nikkei, Japan’s top business publication, views AI as a tool for boosting industrial competitiveness.

Asahi, known for its liberal stance, focuses on protecting democracy, human dignity, and accountability in the AI era.

Yomiuri, Japan’s largest newspaper with a conservative outlook, prioritizes safeguarding human capabilities and institutional integrity.

Despite differing viewpoints, Dr. Hayashi said all three outlets share concerns about misinformation, ethical risks, and the need for strict governance surrounding AI technologies.

“Japan’s cautious approach to AI reflects a deep-rooted cultural and institutional conservatism, especially within its influential media sector,” Dr. Hayashi observed. “This presents an important lesson for other nations, including Ghana, to engage AI critically — balancing innovation with societal values.”

Dr. Hayashi, a former journalist with Reuters and current President of the Japan Association for Media, Journalism and Communication Studies, called on scholars, policymakers, and media practitioners to view AI not only as a technological challenge but as a societal issue requiring inclusive dialogue and ethical frameworks.

On his part, Japan’s Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Yoshimoto Hiroshi, has underscored the growing importance of academic collaboration, technological innovation, and ethical journalism as the world enters a new era dominated by artificial intelligence (AI).

Ambassador Yoshimoto described the event as a reflection of the strong educational ties between Ghana and Japan, while also acknowledging the critical challenges AI presents to journalism.

The lecture, themed “From Ink to Intelligence: The Future of Japanese Journalism in the Era of AI,” was delivered by Professor Hayashi Kaori, Executive Vice President of the University of Tokyo, one of Japan’s most prestigious universities.

“Journalism is at a fascinating crossroads,” Ambassador Yoshimoto remarked. “AI is transforming how news is produced, offering new tools for efficiency but also raising serious ethical questions. The challenge for all of us is to ensure that journalism continues to serve the public good.”

Ambassador Yoshimoto highlighted Japan’s unique development experience, noting that it remains the first non-Western nation to achieve developed status while preserving its cultural identity. He explained that Japan is committed to sharing its lessons through programs like the JICA Chair, which brings Japanese academics to developing countries for lectures and exchanges.

The Ambassador praised existing academic cooperation between Ghana and Japan, including scholarships such as the MEXT, JDS, and ABE Initiative, which support Ghanaian students and public officials to study in Japan.

He cited a recent collaboration between the University of Tokyo, JICA, and the University of Ghana, where students engaged in discussions following the screening of a documentary on Japanese-style education.

Ambassador Yoshimoto also advocated for the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen, which promotes continuous improvement and responsibility — values he believes could meaningfully strengthen Ghana’s educational system.

As Ambassador, one of my goals is to promote Kaizen in all aspects of Ghanaian life, especially education,” he noted, encouraging further academic exchanges and dialogue between the two nations.

He emphasized that events like this public lecture serve as vital bridges between Ghana and Japan, especially at a time when AI is reshaping industries such as education, journalism, and technology.

“Japan can learn from Ghana’s creativity and strong sense of community, just as Ghana can benefit from Japan’s development experience,” he said. “Today’s exchange of ideas is the true essence of diplomacy.”

Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Ghana, SUZUKI Momoko, has reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening relations with Ghana through education, cultural exchanges, and international cooperation.

Madam Suzuki emphasized the significance of deepening mutual understanding between Ghana and Japan, particularly through academic collaboration and dialogue.

“It is a great honour to be part of today’s event, which reflects the growing partnership between our two nations. The JICA Chair programme in Ghana continues to provide an excellent platform to share Japan’s development experiences and cultural values,” she stated.

She expressed appreciation to Dr. Lloyd Adu Amoah, Director of the Centre for Asian Studies at the University of Ghana, for his dedication to advancing the collaboration.

Madam Suzuki recalled a recent exchange programme held in March this year, where students from the University of Tokyo and the University of Ghana engaged in meaningful dialogue and activities.

According to her, such engagements have laid the groundwork for deeper academic partnerships between the two countries.

The lecture explored the evolution of Japanese journalism from its 19th-century print origins to the modern-day challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI).

Madam Suzuki noted that while Japan maintains a strong tradition of newspaper journalism, the industry faces the complex challenge of innovating without compromising editorial integrity.

“Japan’s conservative and institution-driven media landscape adds a unique dimension to the ongoing efforts to balance tradition with transformation,” she added.

Madam Suzuki also drew attention to the upcoming 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), scheduled for August 20–22 in Yokohama, Japan.

She described TICAD as a critical platform for dialogue on sustainable development, having been established in 1993 through Japan’s collaboration with the United Nations, World Bank, and African Union.

She concluded by expressing hope that the special lecture would inspire participants to share knowledge about Japan’s development approach and contribute to building stronger ties between the two countries.

“Together, let us work to deepen the bond between Ghana and Japan and build a brighter future,” she said.

Taking his turn, Director of the Centre for Asian Studies at the University of Ghana, Dr. Lloyd Amoah, has called on developing countries, including Ghana, to adopt a pragmatic and strategic approach to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into society.

Dr. Amoah underscored Japan’s cautious stance on the unchecked growth of AI, particularly within its media and cultural spaces, as an example worth emulating.

“Japan, as we know, is a global technology giant — a leader in electronics and innovation,” Dr. Amoah explained. “But even Japan, despite its technological advancement, is having second thoughts about the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, especially its influence on the media and cultural landscape.”

He highlighted that ongoing discussions in Japan reflect a determination to ensure AI does not undermine the country’s societal values and cultural identity.

“The core of the message being sent from Japan to the world, through platforms like today’s JICA Chair lecture, is that countries like ours must also pause, reflect, and engage AI with critical thought,” Dr. Amoah stated.

He warned against the overly romanticized perception of AI as a guaranteed pathway to societal progress, noting that while technological advancement holds benefits, there are also significant risks that require careful consideration.

“It’s not all about smartphones, computers, and the idea that technology will magically transform our society for the better. There are obvious dangers we must be aware of,” he cautioned.

The JICA Chair lecture, part of an ongoing collaboration between Ghana and Japan, featured discussions on the future of Japanese journalism in the AI era, with insights aimed at informing Africa’s approach to emerging technologies.

Dr. Amoah concluded by urging Ghana and other African nations to adopt balanced, informed policies that harness the benefits of AI while safeguarding societal interests and cultural integrity.

The event, attended by Ghanaian academics, policymakers, and representatives from Japan, forms part of ongoing collaborations between Ghana and Japan under the JICA Chair initiative.