Overcoming the Long Shadow of the Past: Defense AI in Japan

Since the end of World War II, Japan has not had a full-fledged military, but only Self-Defense Forces (SDF) for the sole purpose of “exclusively defensive defense.” Hesitancy exists in society, especially in academia, to research and develop technologies that could be diverted to military use. This has created a long shadow of the past in which public opinion, strategic culture, and the academic-industrial ecosystem mutually reinforce each other not to directly address defense technologies, though Japan is often recognized as one of the most technologically advanced countries. However, with the recent deterioration of the national security environment around Japan, such hesitance is weakening, and research and development of technologies that can be applied to defense purposes is now being conducted, also in cooperation with partners like the United States, the United Kingdom, and others. Discussions about artificial intelligence (AI) for defense purposes began in earnest around 2022, with descriptions found in government and defense documents, and budget appropriations beginning to be made. However, the budget size is miniscule and no special organization for defense AI exists. In addition, there is no plan to use defense AI in earnest in defense operations, and it is merely positioned as one of the technologies that are attracting widespread attention. The defense industry is working on AI across the board, but Japan’s defense industry has a large proportion of civilian demand, and there are aspects of the industry that are not necessarily for defense use. If necessary, they will be applied to defense applications, but they are not actively promoted as AI for defense. Attempts to deepen the knowledge of AI among SDF personnel have only just begun.