DeepSeek and Japan’s Role in the Global AI Race

As nations and tech companies around the world make significant advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), the competitive landscape is rapidly changing. A prominent development is DeepSeek, an AI model that has generated considerable interest since its launch by a Chinese company in early 2025.

DeepSeek boasts considerable enhancements in both the speed of computation and cost effectiveness. Reports suggest that it was created at a much lower expense compared to similar models, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT. This progress is particularly noteworthy as the developers managed to navigate hardware limitations imposed by restrictions on GPU exports to China from the United States by utilizing innovative methods.

The driving force behind DeepSeek, Liang Wenbo, is an accomplished graduate of Tsinghua University in China. Leveraging his skills in quantitative analysis, he has become a significant figure in the AI sector and has even engaged in discussions with officials, including Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, reflecting his influence in the field.

Despite these advancements, concerns regarding DeepSeek’s functionality have arisen. Some users have reported that the AI model exhibits atypical responses when asked about sensitive subjects, such as the Tiananmen Square events of June 4, 1989. Instead of providing answers, DeepSeek often redirects or avoids these topics, raising questions about the presence of censorship and bias in AI models developed in China.

On the other side of the spectrum, Japan is steadily carving out a significant role in the global AI race. Leading this effort is SoftBank, which is spearheading the ambitious Stargate Project. This U.S.-led initiative is aimed at creating extensive AI infrastructure, with a staggering investment of $500 billion (approximately 78 trillion yen) dedicated to establishing advanced data centers and enhancing AI research capabilities.

Observers in Japan are optimistic about the advantages this project could bring. Access to the cutting-edge infrastructure developed through Stargate presents a unique opportunity for Japan’s AI research community. A prominent AI expert notes, “It’s a rare opportunity for Japan to integrate into a major global project.”

Beyond being a technological endeavor, the Stargate Project has geopolitical implications, strengthening the position of the U.S. and its allies in the ongoing global AI competition. As AI technology evolves, investments in research infrastructure and international collaboration are anticipated to be vital in shaping the future of this groundbreaking field.

In addition, Japan is experiencing a rising interest in AI education, illustrated by a lecture series at the University of Tokyo that has attracted more than 7,000 attendees. The series emphasizes the importance of foundational education in AI, as highlighted by lecturer Shota Imai, who emphasizes that thorough training is essential for adapting to a future increasingly influenced by AI technology.

Despite advancements in AI capabilities, experts assert that AI will serve to complement, rather than completely replace, human labor. Areas that require creativity, emotional intelligence, and personal interaction remain challenging for AI to master. Thus, as discussions about AI’s societal implications continue, a balanced approach merging human skills with technological progress seems to be the most feasible outcome.

AI, technology, Japan, DeepSeek, education