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Last update: 04 June 2025
Author: Ilya Kulyatin ([email protected])
Download
PDF: https://bit.ly/japan_ai_hub
Notion: https://bit.ly/japan_ai_hub_notion
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A note from the author
Hi, I'm Ilya, an entrepreneur with a background spanning data science, finance, and AI. Having founded two data-driven startups in Singapore and NYC, I bring a unique global perspective shaped by professional experience across the US, EU, UK, Singapore, and Japan. My academic background includes a BSc in Economics, an MA in Finance, and an MSc in Machine Learning.
For the past year, while exploring new startup opportunities, I've been actively building an AI community in Tokyo called Tokyo AI (TAI), which now connects nearly 2,000 AI professionals in the Japanese capital. This experience, coupled with insights gained from living in ten countries over the past two decades, has convinced me of Japan's exceptional potential to emerge as a global deep-tech leader within the next decade.
This report, part of my broader ecosystem analysis, examines Japan's potential as an international AI hub in APAC. While the path ahead requires significant effort and structural changes, I believe Japan's unique combination of technological expertise, industrial heritage, and innovation culture positions it perfectly for this transformation. With patience and strategic focus, we can help establish Japan as a leading force in the global AI landscape.
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Contributors
I welcome anyone who wants to contribute a section or comments. I’m very grateful to the following friends who helped me with the final draft of this report:
Jerry Chi, Ryuichi Maruyama, Haris Gulzar, Aleksandr Drozd, Aveek Das, Mohamed Haggag
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Note
This is a live document, and you can comment with questions and additions.
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A thriving AI ecosystem requires more than technology—it demands a robust interplay of talent, infrastructure, market readiness, and policy support. Japan is actively developing these ingredients, leveraging its strong industrial base and aligning public and private initiatives. This section explores the core factors forming Japan’s AI ecosystem and driving its growth trajectory.