As of early August 2026, a new Jiji Press survey on communications has captured headlines across Japan, highlighting a profound shift in how people view artificial intelligence—not just as a tool, but as a potential substitute for human connection. Conducted from June 12 for four days among 2,000 people aged 18 and older nationwide (with a 57.1% valid response rate), the poll offers one of the most current snapshots of AI’s evolving role in daily Japanese life.
Key Findings from the Jiji Survey
- 24.9% of respondents believe that more advanced AI will replace friends and family in the future, while 65.1% disagree.
- Among younger groups, the belief is stronger: 32.5% of those aged 18-29, 30.1% in their 30s, 29.2% in their 40s, and 31.4% in their 50s see this possibility.
Generative AI usage stands at 30.8% overall (up significantly from earlier years), with 67.8% not using it. Usage skews young:
- 18-29: 53.3%
- 30s: 56.2%
- 40s: 47.4%
- 50s: 27.4%
- 60s: 21.9%
Primary uses (multiple answers allowed):
- Work: 64.7%
- Household chores (cleaning, cooking): 35.3%
- Questions about current affairs: 27.1%
- Chatting about music, characters, celebrities: 21.7%
- Expressing worries/complaints about love and work: 12.8%
This poll arrives at a pivotal moment, as Japan’s generative AI adoption has roughly doubled to 58.8%in fiscal 2025 (ended March 2026), per the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ 2026 Information and Communications White Paper—though this still lags behind China (93.6%), the US, and Germany (both 75.6%).
Similar Surveys: AI as Companion, Confidant, or Replacement?
The Jiji findings align with broader trends showing AI blurring lines between tool and relationship.
A July 2026 Ministry white paper (via Yomiuri) revealed that among Japanese generative AI users:
- 10.9%view it as a “friend”
- 6.2%as “family”
- 2.8%as a “lover”
These figures are lower than in the US (25.3% friend, 21.5% family) or China (39.9% friend, 22.1% family), with most Japanese still seeing AI primarily as a “tool” (38.3%).
Dentsu’s 2025 survey of frequent conversational AI users (weekly or more) found 64.9%could share emotions with AI—matching or exceeding rates for “best friend” (64.6%) or “mother” (62.7%). Younger users (teens and 20s) showed even stronger emotional bonds and trust.
Globally and in the US:
- A June 2026 Elon University/YouGov survey showed 27% of US adult internet users have social/emotional interactions with AI; about one-third of those consider their bot a “friend.” Many confide secrets they wouldn’t share with humans or would miss the AI if it disappeared.
- Other reports note 1 in 5 young Americans using chatbots for emotional support, with concerns about sycophancy, reduced human empathy, and impacts on real relationships or fertility intentions.
These patterns suggest AI is filling gaps in an increasingly lonely world, offering judgment-free listening—especially appealing to younger generations facing social pressures.
Broader Context: Japan’s AI Landscape in Mid-2026
Japan is accelerating its AI push amid global competition. Recent developments include:
- Updated AI Basic Plan (Phase II)in July 2026, emphasizing “Japan AI Transformation,” physical/embodied AI (robotics), domestic ecosystems, and international partnerships (e.g., with India on data centers/semiconductors, France, and Global South nations) to reduce US/China dependence.
- Initiatives like SoftBank-led sovereign AI models and public-private investments targeting trillions of yen.
- High youth adoption (e.g., ~92% for ages 15-19 in some metrics) but generational gaps persist.
While adoption surges for practical uses, societal questions about emotional dependency, mental health, and human connection loom large—as the Jiji poll starkly illustrates.
What Does This Mean for the Future?
The 24.9% who foresee AI replacing loved ones aren’t outliers; they’re reflecting real behavioral shifts. AI excels at availability, patience, and customization, but lacks genuine emotion, moral reciprocity, or the messiness that defines human bonds. Experts warn of risks like deepened isolation, altered intimacy patterns, or delayed family formation, even as it provides support for the lonely.
Japan’s cultural context—strong emphasis on harmony, work demands, and aging population—may amplify both the appeal and the caution. As usage climbs toward majority levels, balancing AI as enhancer versus replacer will define the next chapter.
This Jiji poll, released just days ago on August 2, 2026, stands as one of the freshest data points available. It underscores a universal truth in the AI era: technology is reshaping not just what we do, but who we turn to. The question remains—will we let it replace connections, or use it to strengthen them?
What are your thoughts? Do you use AI for advice or companionship? Share in the comments.