[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the 22nd meeting of the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation at the Prime Minister’s Office.

During the meeting, a decision was reached on the “identification of measures of importance in accordance with the Comprehensive Strategy on Science, Technology and Innovation 2016” and on the “effective promotion of research and development on artificial intelligence and other fields.” After this, a report was made on “changes to the medium- to long-term targets for designated national research and development entities.” Later, there was an explanation on the theme of “achieving Society 5.0.”

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said in his address,

“Today, we received an explanation from private sector companies about the specific initiatives aimed at achieving Society 5.0.

This is not a pie in the sky idea. The explanation we received today helped me envision a workplace where we start with actual people who are inspecting the front lines identifying issues, and then by utilizing the capabilities of artificial intelligence to analyze data and the situation, we can efficiently find solutions to those issues.

The government will reinforce efforts aimed at the realization of Society 5.0 together with business and industry. I ask for close collaboration between this Council and the Council on Investments for the Future.

As for research and development on artificial intelligence, the fundamental technology for Society 5.0, we will make maximum use of these limited private and public sector funds.

To that end, under the guidance of the Artificial Intelligence Technology Strategy Council, we will make clear the division of roles between the two organizations leading these efforts, namely RIKEN, the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research, which is responsible mainly for basic research, and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, which mainly covers commercialization and testing.

I also ask that we take further steps to reinforce technologies that contribute to national security, through collaboration between this Council as well as the Ministry of Defense and other relevant ministries and agencies.”