← Kerr University  |  Daily News
Science & Technology · 4 Beginner · August 14, 2026

Japan Is Slow to Use New AI Technology

Japan Is Slow to Use New AI Technology
Photo: Huu Huynh via Pexels

Listen

Vocabulary

artificial intelligence /ˌɑːr.tɪ.ˈfɪʃ.əl ɪn.ˈtel.ə.dʒəns/ noun
smart computer technology that can learn and think like people
Artificial intelligence helps doctors find sickness in patients.
careful /ˈker.fəl/ adjective
paying attention to avoid problems or mistakes
Japanese leaders are careful about new business ideas.
risky /ˈrɪs.ki/ adjective
having a chance of something bad happening
Using new technology can feel risky to some people.
quickly /ˈkwɪk.li/ adverb
very fast; in a short time
American companies adopt new technology quickly.
ahead /əˈhed/ adverb
in front; winning or doing better than others
Chinese companies are ahead in AI technology.
brave /breɪv/ adjective
having courage; not afraid to try new things
Business leaders must be brave to try new ideas.

Article

Japanese companies are not using artificial intelligence very much. AI is new computer technology. It helps businesses work faster and better. Many other countries use AI now. But Japan uses it slowly. Why? Japanese business leaders are very careful. They like to do things the old way.

Japanese Companies Like Safety

Japanese business leaders do not like big changes. They worry about problems. They think new things are risky. They want to be sure something works before they use it. This is called being careful. Many Japanese leaders learned this from their families and schools.

Other Countries Are Faster

American companies use AI now. Chinese companies use AI now. These countries move quickly. They try new things fast. They learn from mistakes. Japanese companies do not do this. They plan for a long time first.

What Is AI?

AI means artificial intelligence. Computers can learn and think with AI. AI can help with many jobs. It can read information. It can answer questions. It can find problems in work. AI helps companies save money and time.

Japan Needs to Change

Japanese business leaders see the problem now. Other countries are moving ahead. Japan must use AI too. But change is hard for Japanese companies. They must learn to be more brave. They must try new things. Many companies are starting to use AI now.

Discussion Questions

  1. What is one problem with AI for Japanese companies?
  2. Why do you think some people are careful about new technology?
  3. Which countries use AI faster than Japan?
  4. Do you think being careful is good or bad for business?
  5. What new technology are you careful about using?

Open the full interactive lesson with tap-to-hear on every word →

Ready to speak English with real confidence?
Work 1-on-1 with Digby R. Kerr.
Claim Your Free 30-Min Class