Takaichi says government will compile action plan to spread the use of AI

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced on Thursday that the Japanese government will develop an action plan by year's end to encourage the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). Takaichi emphasized that widespread societal implementation of high-performance AI is crucial for achieving the government's growth strategy. At a Council for Japan's Growth Strategy meeting, she tasked cabinet ministers with creating a detailed vision for AI usage, along with regulatory and institutional reforms.

Simultaneously, the government plans to outline a growth strategy implementation program, which will coincide with the fiscal 2027 budget proposal. Takaichi designated the five years commencing in April as a critical period for increasing public and private investments in 17 strategic sectors, including AI and semiconductors. Priority sectors will be identified based on factors such as profitability and potential ripple effects, with projects projected to enhance growth rates highlighted.

To ensure predictability for private sector companies, the government will clarify budgetary measures spanning multiple fiscal years. Takaichi instructed cabinet ministers to prepare a policy package to address labor shortages in the construction sector, which could impede growth-oriented investments. The government intends to manage sectors vital to economic security independently within a special account, contingent on projects that contribute to maintaining "autonomy of the socioeconomic structure," "competitive advantage over other countries and regions," and "indispensability to the international community."