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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
Tokyo AI (TAI) website: https://tokyoai.jp/
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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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Japan stands at a crucial intersection as artificial intelligence (AI) transforms the global economic and technological landscape. With its storied history of technological innovation, substantial investments in research and development, and forward-thinking government policies, Japan possesses unique advantages to emerge as the preeminent AI hub in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.
This report examines Japan's distinctive strengths that support this potential: world-class infrastructure, a sophisticated R&D ecosystem, and bureaucrats opening up to innovation. While acknowledging significant challenges – particularly in talent acquisition and technology commercialization – the analysis explores strategic solutions to these obstacles. Though realizing a vision of Japan as a leader in AI demands substantial effort and resources, the country's strong foundation and current momentum suggest it's well-positioned to shape the future of AI in both regional and global contexts.
Chapter 1 - Foundations of Japan’s AI Ecosystem
Chapter 2 - Key Ingredients for a Thriving AI Ecosystem
Chapter 3 - Japan’s Unique Advantages
Chapter 3 Addendum A - Japan in the Historical Perspective on AI
Chapter 3 Addendum B - Japanese Public Research Organizations and Policies
Japan is uniquely positioned to lead the Asia-Pacific region as a hub for AI innovation. Realizing this potential requires more than just advanced infrastructure, world-class manufacturing, and strong government support. It demands a concerted effort to attract top-tier talent, enhance R&D commercialization, and cultivate a thriving startup ecosystem, elements that collectively foster a dynamic and globally competitive AI landscape. However, achieving this vision requires not only addressing key structural challenges but also capitalizing on emerging opportunities.