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Japan

Rank #7

Technology leader with strong robotics and AI hardware focus

64.5
ASI Score
+0.7%
Total Investment
$9.8B
AI Companies
98
Top Researchers
1,456
Compute Power
380 PFLOPS
Power
300 GW

Overview

Japan combines its traditional strengths in robotics, manufacturing, and hardware with cutting-edge AI research. The country focuses on practical AI applications in robotics, healthcare, and industrial automation, leveraging its engineering expertise.

Major AI Projects

Fugaku Supercomputer AI

Operational

World's fastest supercomputer for AI research

Human-Robot Collaboration

Active Development

Advanced robotics with AI integration

AI Hospital Project

Pilot Phase

AI-powered healthcare system

Government Initiatives

  • Society 5.0 initiative incorporating AI
  • AI Strategy 2019 - Human-centric AI
  • Moonshot R&D Program for AI and robotics
  • RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project
  • Japan Science and Technology Agency AI funding

Challenges

  • •Aging researcher population
  • •Conservative corporate culture
  • •Limited venture capital ecosystem
  • •Language barriers in global collaboration
  • •Competition from China and South Korea

Opportunities

  • •Excellence in robotics and automation
  • •Strong manufacturing base
  • •Government commitment to Society 5.0
  • •Leading position in AI hardware
  • •Healthcare AI applications for aging society

Key Strengths

RoboticsHardwareResearch QualityInnovation

Research Output

Research Institutions42
Annual Papers1,890
7-Day Change+1.9%

Future Outlook

Japan is positioned to lead in specialized AI applications, particularly in robotics, manufacturing, and healthcare. Success will depend on overcoming cultural barriers to innovation and strengthening its startup ecosystem.

International Partnerships

US-Japan AI Partnership
Quad AI cooperation
EU-Japan Digital Partnership
ASEAN-Japan AI initiatives
Global Partnership on AI membership
Last updated: 10/7/2025