TLDRs:
- Japan leads in-depth AI knowledge globally, with 53% highly aware of the technology.
- Wealthy countries, men, young adults, and educated individuals show higher AI awareness.
- Japanese citizens are split on AI excitement versus concern in daily life.
- Japan’s AI law lacks strong enforcement, unlike the EU’s risk-based regulations.
A recent survey by the Pew Research Center has revealed that Japan ranks highest worldwide in terms of in-depth awareness of artificial intelligence (AI).
According to the study, 53% of Japanese respondents reported having read or heard a substantial amount about AI, surpassing France at 52% and Germany at 51%. By contrast, the global median stood at just 34%, highlighting Japan’s exceptional engagement with the technology.
When considering broader awareness, including those with limited exposure to AI, Japan reached 89%, trailing only behind Australia, which led globally at 97%. India was reported to have the lowest overall awareness, at 45%. The findings suggest that Japan is not only informed about AI but also actively following developments in the field.
Mixed Public Sentiment on AI
Despite high awareness levels, Japanese citizens appear cautiously optimistic about AI. The survey found that 55% of respondents were equally excited and concerned about the technology’s impact on daily life, while 28% leaned more toward concern.
This contrasts with the United States, where 50% of respondents expressed greater concern than excitement, and only 38% reported feeling evenly split.
Experts say this balance in Japan reflects a societal approach that acknowledges AI’s potential benefits while remaining wary of unintended consequences. The findings underscore the need for continued public education and engagement, especially as AI adoption expands in industries like healthcare and manufacturing.
Public Trust in AI Regulation
Trust in AI regulation also varies significantly across countries. In Japan, 43% of respondents expressed trust in the European Union’s regulatory approach, 41% in the United States, and just 7% in China.
This discrepancy mirrors global skepticism regarding different regulatory frameworks and highlights Japan’s reliance on high-level principles rather than strict enforcement mechanisms.
Japan’s AI Promotion Act, passed in May 2025, sets out overarching duties for companies and developers but lacks prescriptive rules or financial penalties. Unlike the EU AI Act, which enforces risk-based rules rigorously, Japan relies on voluntary “duties to endeavor” and flexible guidance. Enforcement mechanisms include potential public naming of non-compliant firms, but financial fines remain absent.
Rapid Growth in AI Markets
The Japanese AI sector is also poised for rapid expansion. Market forecasts project Japan’s AI market will reach $123.9 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 34.4%. Manufacturing represents about 25% of edge AI software usage, where AI operates on devices rather than in cloud systems, while healthcare is expected to post the fastest growth at a 41.8% CAGR.
Healthcare demand is fueled by Japan’s aging population and rising medical costs, driving adoption of AI in diagnostics, medical imaging, and patient monitoring. Meanwhile, the BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) sector continues to leverage AI for fraud detection and risk management. Software solutions dominate near-term spending at 47.5%, followed by cloud adoption growing at 36%. Large enterprises account for over 60% of purchases, reflecting AI’s central role in Japan’s corporate strategy.
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