About 20 parliamentarians from ruling and opposition parties learned to create software, comics, and websites using AI during a workshop on June 25, 2024 [1], [2].
The session marks an effort to modernize the legislative process by providing lawmakers with direct technical experience. As AI continues to reshape global industries, the ability of policymakers to understand the tool's capabilities is seen as essential for drafting relevant and effective legislation.
Team Mirai leader Takahiro Anno led the study session inside the National Diet [1], [2]. The workshop aimed to demonstrate how AI can support parliamentary work and the general process of policy-making [1], [2].
"Using AI in this way connects to the work of members of the Diet," Anno said. He said that knowing the extent of what AI can achieve is meaningful when considering various policies [1].
Participants practiced building functional digital tools and creative content. Tsukasa Abe, a member of the House of Representatives from the Japan Innovation Party, said he had used AI previously but learned more advanced applications during the session. He said that he created a comic [1].
Other legislators emphasized the need for collective skill improvement to keep pace with technological shifts. Eriko Omori, a member of the House of Representatives from the Center for Reform Union, said that policy planning should evolve by incorporating AI as lawmakers upgrade their skills [1].
The event brought together a cross-party group to experiment with generative tools in a controlled environment. By moving from theoretical discussion to practical application, the organizers sought to bridge the gap between technical expertise and political leadership [1], [2].
“AI to support parliamentary work and policy-making”
This initiative suggests a shift in the Japanese legislature toward 'technocratic' governance, where lawmakers are encouraged to be creators rather than just regulators. By training MPs to build software and media, the government is attempting to reduce the knowledge gap between tech developers and the people writing the laws that govern them.
