JTW Digest, March 27, 2024

Author

Eldar Syzdykov
March 27, 2024

Japanese AI Business Guidelines: Ensuring Responsible and Innovative AI Deployment

AI guidelines for businesses in Japan, developed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, outlines principles and practices for the responsible development, deployment, and utilization of AI technologies. 

- Introduction and Background: Recognizes the rapid evolution of AI technologies and their potential to democratize access to AI, reshaping business models and personal productivity. Japan's commitment to a human-centered society (Society 5.0) is highlighted, emphasizing AI's role in addressing social challenges and technological risks.

Guideline Objectives: Aims to establish a unified framework for AI governance in Japan, encouraging responsible AI use that considers international trends and stakeholder concerns. The guidelines are designed to facilitate innovation and mitigate risks through the AI lifecycle.

Guideline Structure: Divided into sections covering AI basics, desired societal outcomes, principles, common guidelines for advanced AI systems, AI governance, developer-specific issues, provider-specific issues, and user-specific issues.

Core Principles: 

  - Respect for human dignity and autonomy.

  - Inclusion and diversity in AI benefits.

  - Sustainable development through AI.

Risk-Based Approach: Advocates a risk-based approach to AI utilization, considering the potential impacts on society and aligning countermeasures with identified risks.

Stakeholder Collaboration: Emphasizes collaboration among various stakeholders, including government, private sector, and civil society, to enhance the effectiveness and legitimacy of the guidelines.

Living Document: The guidelines are considered a living document, subject to updates to reflect evolving AI trends and governance concepts.

These points encapsulate the essence of the guidelines, focusing on ethical AI development and utilization within the context of Japan's societal and technological landscape.

The Intersection of AI and Human Intelligence: A Glimpse into the Future with Shinya Yamanaka

Nobel Prize-winning scientist Shinya Yamanaka and Yoshiharu Hanyu explore the evolution of AI and its potential impacts on society, particularly concerning the redefinition of intelligence as AI capabilities expand dramatically.

Hanyu points out that everyone's use of smartphones can be seen as possessing an "external intelligence," suggesting a future where AI's IQ could reach unimaginable levels, challenging our understanding of intelligence itself. The conversation delves into the nature of human intelligence, suggesting that the advancement of AI may help uncover its true essence by providing a basis for comparison.

A particular focus is on AI's role in crime prevention, referencing an instance where AI-directed patrols led to effective crime reduction, evoking the concept of pre-emptive action as depicted in the sci-fi movie "Minority Report." However, this raises concerns about the "black box problem" of AI, where the processes leading to AI's conclusions are opaque, posing ethical and philosophical dilemmas about trust and reliance on AI-driven decisions.

Overall, the dialogue emphasizes the need for ongoing human engagement with these questions, suggesting that even as AI evolves, human thought and ethical considerations must guide its integration into society.

Japan Leads in Generative AI Adoption: PwC Survey Highlights Manufacturing and Healthcare as Key Sectors

A PwC Japan survey released on March 19, 2024, reveals that Japanese companies are ahead of their global counterparts in adopting generative AI, particularly in the manufacturing and healthcare industries. The survey, which encompassed 4,702 CEOs across 105 countries, found that 50% of Japanese companies have integrated generative AI into their operations, a stark contrast to lower percentages in Asia, the US, Europe, and China. This proactive stance is driven by a strong sense of urgency among Japanese CEOs regarding digital transformation (DX), with 64% acknowledging the necessity of business model changes for long-term viability.

Despite this eagerness, Japanese companies exhibit lower expectations for generative AI's impact on profitability and productivity compared to international firms. This cautious outlook may stem from past AI investments that did not meet return expectations. Additionally, concerns about the risks associated with generative AI, such as cybersecurity and misinformation, are more pronounced among Japanese companies. Nonetheless, the high adoption rate in sectors like healthcare and manufacturing underscores a strategic focus on leveraging AI for unstructured data and industry-specific applications, signaling a nuanced approach to digital innovation in Japan's corporate landscape.

Japan’s Digital Minister Taro Kono Press Conference: Expanding My Number Card Utilization in Healthcare: A Step Towards Medical DX in Japan

On March 23, Japan initiated a significant step to utilize the My Number Card not only as a health insurance card but also as a medical beneficiary certificate. This initiative, launched in Tokyo, will gradually extend to 36 medical institutions and pharmacies. By mid-May, the program will expand into preventive care and maternal and child health sectors. The My Number Card will enable recipients, especially for children's medical expenses and various medical subsidies, to access healthcare services with a single card. The government aims to accelerate this initiative in the next fiscal year, inviting more local governments to participate, with an application deadline set for April 23. This effort aligns with Japan's commitment to enhancing medical digital transformation (DX) and improving convenience for citizens, moving towards a more integrated and efficient healthcare system.

Launch of Preliminary Operations for "KuraPo," the Digital Local Currency in Ohkura Village, Yamagata

NTT East Japan, NTT Nexia, and other partners have initiated the pre-operation of "KuraPo," a digital local currency system, in Ohkura Village, Yamagata, to stimulate the local economy and advance digital transformation.

The "KuraPo" system is designed to replace traditional paper-based local currency, streamline administrative processes, and provide valuable data for policy-making.

Future plans include integrating the currency with MyNumber points, offering point return services for local event participation, and enabling cashless payments for village bus services.

The initiative aims to enhance the convenience and quality of life for residents, supporting the elderly and attracting younger generations to the area.

Hybrid 3D Measurement System Registered in the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's NETIS

The "Hybrid Measurement" 3D measurement system by IXIS Co., Ltd. has been registered in the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's NETIS.

This system aims to improve safety and efficiency in bridge construction by enabling measurements from the ground using advanced UAVs, laser scanners, and total stations.

The integration of data from different sources enhances accuracy and reduces the need for high-altitude work, contributing to safer and more efficient construction processes.

iKala Secures Over $20 Million in Series B+ Funding Round

iKala Japan has raised over $20 million in a Series B+ funding round led by Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan's largest telecom operator.

The funding will boost iKala's AI development, aiming to expand in Japan and Southeast Asia, positioning the company as a leading AI transformation solutions provider in Asia.

The strategic partnership with Chunghwa Telecom focuses on leveraging cloud and AI technologies to support enterprise AI transformation, with iKala also planning to establish an AI research center to further AI application and consulting services.

Renesas Unveils RA2A2: A Next-Generation Microcontroller for Enhanced Smart Metering

Renesas Electronics has introduced the RA2A2, a new addition to its Arm core microcontroller RA family, specifically designed for next-generation smart meters. This new product features a 24-bit ΔΣ type AD converter, ideal for high-precision analog sensing, and is tailored for smart meters using Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring (NILM) technology, which enables detailed power consumption analysis of individual devices. The RA2A2, distinct from its predecessor RA2A1, includes a Programmable Gain Amplifier (PGA) and a segment LCD controller, enhancing its functionality for Human Machine Interface (HMI) applications. With up to 512K bytes of flash memory and 48K bytes of SRAM, the RA2A2 supports easy firmware updates via OTA and operates efficiently with a low-power RTC. Renesas also offers a comprehensive development environment and evaluation kits to facilitate the use of RA2A2 in advanced smart meter designs.

Japan Develops New Optical Observation System through Public-Private Partnership, Replacing "Daichi 3" Satellite

Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology announced the development of a new optical observation system in collaboration with private sector entities instead of creating a successor to the lost "Daichi 3" satellite.

This new system will utilize a constellation of satellites working together for enhanced observation capabilities, aiming to enhance disaster prevention and geographic information acquisition.

Private sector-led small satellites will target observation capabilities with 40 cm resolution and over 50 km observation width, with development and demonstration planned to be completed by the late 2020s.

JAXA is also exploring the development of an altimeter lidar satellite for precise vertical measurements, aiming to achieve 3D terrain information in coordination with the new optical observation satellites by around 2030.