The Defense Ministry unveiled its first basic policy on the use of artificial intelligence on Tuesday, as Japan seeks to avoid a labor shortage and keep pace with China and the United States in military applications of the technology.
The focus on AI comes as the Self-Defense Forces faces concerns about recruiting and its ability to harness the power of new technologies.
“In our country, where the population is rapidly declining and aging, it is essential to use personnel more efficiently than ever,” Defense Minister Minoru Kihara said at a news conference after the policy was released. “We believe AI has the potential to become one of the technologies that can overcome these challenges.”
