Osaka, Japan’s second-largest city, is testing autonomous AI agents within local government to address its labor shortage. A public-private consortium, including Google Cloud Japan and Microsoft Japan, aims to streamline clerical tasks and provide multilingual support using AI agents. The initiative, endorsed by Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura, seeks to enhance societal convenience while minimizing chaos through standardization. Major corporations like Itochu and Mazda are also adopting AI agents for various functions, with a survey indicating that 35% of Japanese firms have already integrated AI technology. However, Japan employs a cautious and deliberate approach, focusing on accountability and minimizing errors rather than racing to produce advanced AI models. Experts argue AI should augment, not replace, human roles and emphasize the need for clear guidelines and human intervention to maintain trust. Osaka’s initiative illustrates a governance-first attitude that could shape AI adoption across Japan by 2026, prioritizing practical applications over mere technological advancement.
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