Japan

Intelligence for Better Decision Making

Japan Advances Comprehensive AI Integration in the Public Sector
Dec. 8, 2025 | Governance & Law

Japan is accelerating its adoption of artificial intelligence across the public sector.

**In Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture, Benesse’s Mr.**
Nakai demonstrated an AI-driven grading system for kanji writing dictation tests at the Test Park in City Hall. By automating the scoring process, the system has cut grading time from roughly 45 minutes to just five, showcasing a breakthrough in educational assessment efficiency.

**To build on this success, the government has drafted a basic program to boost public AI usage from the current 26.7 percent to 50 percent in its initial phase, with a longer-term goal of reaching 80 percent.**
Lawmakers plan to secure formal cabinet approval by the end of 2025. The initiative features a plan to attract around one trillion yen in private-sector investment for AI research and development, and it calls for a collaborative ecosystem that brings together AI developers, semiconductor manufacturers and cloud service providers to strengthen domestic technology and expand into overseas markets.

**To close the gap with global leaders, the draft contrasts Japan’s AI adoption rate with the United States’ 68.8 percent and China’s 81.2 percent in generative AI usage.**
It describes AI as both an intellectual foundation and an execution platform for society, underlining its role as essential social infrastructure.

**The program directs every government ministry, agency and employee to integrate AI tools and technologies into their operations.**
It envisions private investment driving talent recruitment, nurturing AI industries in emerging markets and upgrading research and development infrastructure.

**Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has pledged to make Japan the easiest country in which to develop and use AI, emphasizing rapid progress in research and development through public-private partnerships.**
Chinese Fighter Jets Lock Fire-Control Radar on Japanese F-15s Over East China Sea
Dec. 8, 2025 | Geopolitics & Defense

China’s carrier-based J-15 fighters locked their fire-control radar onto Japanese F-15 jets over international waters southeast of Okinawa, intensifying military tension in the East China Sea.

On December 6, two J-15s operating from the Liaoning illuminated Japanese Air Self-Defense Force F-15s in two separate periods: approximately 4:32 p.m. to 4:35 p.m. and again from 6:37 p.m. to 7:08 p.m.

**Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi called the radar locks dangerous violations of safe operational norms and filed a formal diplomatic protest with Beijing, demanding concrete steps to stop similar actions.**
The Japanese aircraft suffered no damage.

**Tokyo says this was the first time Chinese military planes used fire-control radar against Japan Self-Defense Force aircraft in these waters.**
Japan scrambled its F-15s in response to routine training flights by the Liaoning near Okinawa, and officials maintain that Japanese jets did not provoke the locks.

**Tensions have risen since Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s November remarks that Japan might consider military measures if China were to blockade or coerce Taiwan.**
Okinawa’s proximity to Taiwan has increased its strategic importance as Japan positions assets to monitor potential contingencies involving the island.

Monitored Intelligence for Japan - Dec. 8, 2025


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Putin and Modi hold talks and announce expansion of Russia-India trade ties

Asahi Shimbun - E | English | News | Dec. 8, 2025 | Shifting Geopolitical Alliances

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks at the 23rd Russia-India Summit in New Delhi, agreeing to expand and diversify economic ties. They finalized a cooperation program until 2030 aimed at boosting bilateral trade to $100 billion annually. The current trade stood at $68.7 billion for the last fiscal year, with India seeking to reduce its trade deficit by increasing exports to Russia. Energy cooperation remains a cornerstone, with Russia committing to continue supplying fuel to support India's growing economy.

Both leaders discussed advancing a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union, potentially enhancing trade. Modi announced that India will soon offer free electronic visas to Russian tourists. Cooperation will also continue in civil nuclear projects, clean energy, shipbuilding, fertilizers, and labor mobility. Defense ties remain strong, with India pushing for faster deliveries of Russian S-400 missile systems and joint manufacturing of military spare parts and components within India, supported by technology transfers and joint ventures.

Despite longstanding ties, India faces pressure from the United States and the European Union to reconsider its relationship with Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Russian oil producers and increased tariffs on Indian goods, partly linked to Indian imports of Russian crude oil, which the U.S. views as funding Moscow’s war efforts. Indian officials emphasized their commitment to abiding by international sanctions and prioritize energy security for its population of 1.4 billion.

India is simultaneously negotiating trade agreements with the U.S. and EU, though progress is slow due to geopolitical tensions. Indian officials noted that commercial and market considerations drive their oil import decisions. Defense cooperation also includes upgrading Russian-made fighter jets and accelerating military hardware deliveries. Both countries aim to reduce barriers to Indian exports of pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and textiles to Russia while securing long-term fertilizer supplies and improving protections for Indian migrant workers in Russia.

日中対立、打開策見えず 高市氏答弁1カ月、影響拡大

Japan-China Confrontation, No Breakthrough in Sight One Month After Takachi’s Response, Impact Widens

Tokyo Shimbun | Local Language | News | Dec. 8, 2025 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

One month after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s statement suggesting that a "Taiwan contingency" could be considered a "situation in which the survival of the state is threatened," tensions between Japan and China have escalated with no resolution in sight. Takaichi’s comment, made during the Lower House Budget Committee on November 7, 2025, triggered strong pushback from China, which has responded with a range of countermeasures affecting tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges.

China has extended free cancellation or change policies for flights to Japan until March 28, 2026, and urged its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan, severely impacting the tourism sector. Additional Chinese actions include suspending import procedures for Japanese marine products and canceling performances by Japanese artists in China. These measures reflect the broadening impact of diplomatic tensions on economic and cultural relations.

Despite ongoing friction, Prime Minister Takaichi reiterated in the Upper House plenary session on December 3 that Japan’s basic stance on Taiwan remains unchanged and expressed a willingness to continue dialogue with China. However, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has rejected her explanations as "unacceptable," maintaining that dialogue with Japan requires retraction of her statement. The Japanese government is pursuing a diplomatic campaign to present its position to other countries amid these strained relations.

経産省、経済安保強化へ経営指針 中国との取引に伴うリスク念頭に

METI issues management guidelines to strengthen economic security with risks from transactions with China in mind

Tokyo Shimbun | Local Language | News | Dec. 8, 2025 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has formulated a draft management guideline aimed at strengthening economic security in light of growing risks associated with transactions with China, which is intensifying economic coercion. The draft emphasizes the importance for companies to prepare by securing supply chains for rare earths and other critical materials. Following public comments, the final version is expected to be published within 2025.

The guideline highlights a shift from an era focused solely on globalization and efficiency to one where companies must consider geopolitical risks in their operations. It states that stable supply capabilities can lead to new business opportunities. To address potential export controls by supplier countries, companies are urged to explore alternative suppliers and build stockpiles during peacetime, while also implementing measures to protect their own technologies from outflow.

In terms of crisis response, METI recognizes the need for coordinated efforts among companies but notes that collaboration is hampered by concerns over violating the Antimonopoly Act. To alleviate this, a separate casebook on company collaborations compliant with the Antimonopoly Act has been compiled with input from the Fair Trade Commission and other authorities to guide businesses in cooperating without legal issues.

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