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Last update: 04 June 2025
Author: Ilya Kulyatin ([email protected])
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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. Iām very grateful to the following friends who helped me with the final draft of this section:
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Note
This is a live document, and you can comment with questions and additions.
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This piece is part of a broader piece on the Japanese AI ecosystem. The objective is to describe the research organization landscape, R&D policies, and policy-making institutions. Note: Universities will have a separate document.