TLDR: The Japanese government is set to introduce generative artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital technologies to bolster Japanese language teaching for children with foreign backgrounds. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, aims to address the growing number of students requiring language support and ensure equitable, high-quality education. The plan includes developing AI-powered translation apps and online learning systems, with related expenses to be included in the fiscal 2026 budget.
In a significant move to modernize its educational framework, the Japanese government is poised to implement generative artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced digital technologies to enhance Japanese language instruction for children with foreign backgrounds. This initiative, primarily driven by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, seeks to bridge existing educational gaps and provide comprehensive language support to a demographic in increasing need.
Sources close to the matter, as reported on August 14, 2025, indicate that the Ministry plans to integrate AI-based translation applications and online learning platforms into schools. The overarching goal is to deliver high-quality education irrespective of a student’s linguistic or cultural background. This strategic deployment of AI is particularly crucial given the current challenges faced by the Japanese education system.
As of May 2023, approximately 69,000 students enrolled in public elementary, junior high, and high schools, as well as special needs schools, required Japanese language instruction. This figure represents the highest recorded number since the survey’s inception in fiscal year 1991. Despite this growing demand, a notable concern is that around 10 percent of these students do not receive adequate Japanese language support either in class or through after-school programs.
To address these disparities, the Ministry of Education will also conduct extensive research into effective collaboration models involving teachers, Japanese language instructors, and mother tongue support staff. Furthermore, the Ministry intends to expand its budget proposal for fiscal 2025 to subsidize local governments in recruiting these essential language instructors and support personnel. This budget expansion will also facilitate the organization of guidance programs designed to encourage school enrollment for foreign children who are currently not attending school.
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Guidelines for leveraging generative AI are expected to be developed, not only for Japanese language teaching but also for other subjects. This comes amid a recognized shortage of staff capable of accommodating diverse mother tongue languages, such as Portuguese, Mandarin, and Spanish. The Ministry of Education plans to include the necessary expenses for these initiatives in its fiscal 2026 budget filing, commencing next April, with the aim of finalizing these guidelines within a year. This comprehensive approach underscores Japan’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and technologically advanced educational environment.
