DeepSeek and Japan’s Role in the Global AI Race

As the global landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly evolves, nations and tech companies are fiercely competing for supremacy. A noteworthy recent development is DeepSeek, an AI model introduced by a Chinese firm, which gained significant attention in early 2025.

DeepSeek distinguishes itself with remarkable advancements in processing speed and cost-effectiveness. It is said to have been developed at a much lower cost compared to other models, including OpenAI's ChatGPT. To navigate hardware constraints imposed by U.S. regulations on GPU exports to China, the creators of DeepSeek implemented innovative methodologies.

The project is helmed by Liang Wenbo, a Tsinghua University alumnus recognized for his expertise in quantitative analysis. Liang has risen to prominence within the AI field, recently engaging in discussions with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Despite its technological breakthroughs, DeepSeek has faced scrutiny due to reports of questionable behavior when addressing sensitive subjects. Users have noted the AI model's tendency to either deflect or decline to answer questions regarding controversial topics, such as the Tiananmen Square events of June 4, 1989. This has sparked ongoing debates about potential censorship and bias present in Chinese-developed AI systems.

In contrast, Japan is carving out a significant position in the global AI race. The Japanese multinational conglomerate SoftBank, led by Chairman Masayoshi Son, is spearheading the Stargate Project. This ambitious initiative, supported by the U.S., encompasses an investment of around $500 billion (about 78 trillion yen) aimed at creating extensive AI infrastructure, including advanced data centers to facilitate AI research.

Japanese researchers and businesses are hopeful that the Stargate Project will unlock substantial benefits. The access to state-of-the-art facilities resulting from this initiative presents a rare opportunity for Japan to participate in a major global undertaking. "It's a unique chance for Japan to engage in international collaboration on a meaningful scale," commented a leading figure in AI research.

The Stargate Project signifies more than mere technological advancements; it serves as a geopolitical declaration, reinforcing the U.S. and its allies' dominance in the AI arena. As AI technology continues to advance, strategic investments in research infrastructure and international collaborations will prove essential in shaping the future of this transformative field.

Additionally, interest in AI education is surging in Japan. A recent lecture series at the University of Tokyo focused on AI research drew over 7,000 attendees, highlighting the growing enthusiasm amongst students and professionals alike. The lecturer, Shota Imai, stressed the importance of a robust education to prepare individuals for a future increasingly integrated with AI technologies.

While AI capabilities are indeed expanding, experts caution that these advancements will complement, rather than fully replace, human jobs. Areas requiring creativity, emotional understanding, and interpersonal skills remain challenging for AI systems to fully replicate. As societies debate the implications of AI, finding a harmonious balance between technological progress and human creativity seems to be the most promising path forward.

AI, Japan, DeepSeek