Awareness of Responsible AI in Japanese Communities

In our blog, we’ve previously introduced insights from MVPs focusing on responsible AI in two separate posts. For this third installment, we’re excited to share an interview with Akira Okusawa, who received the Microsoft MVP Award in the AI Platform Award Category this August. Notably, he is currently the only MVP in Japan recognized in the Responsible AI with Azure Technology Area. In this interview, we’ll explore his perspectives on the state of responsible AI in Japanese communities.

----------

Please tell us about your recent community activities focusing on responsible AI.

In the field of responsible AI, I’ve been prioritizing community activities aimed at helping corporate and educational users deepen their understanding of critical knowledge and policies, especially as generative AI becomes more widespread.

For corporate users, I’ve developed seminars and workshops to assist with policy creation and risk management related to generative AI. These materials draw on Microsoft’s responsible AI resources and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s "AI Guidelines for Business."

For university and high school students, I’ve organized workshops and study sessions to raise awareness about the risks and safe use of generative AI. These initiatives aim to equip both students and educators with the knowledge and skills needed to use AI technologies responsibly.

What has been the reaction of the Japanese community to responsible AI?

The evolution and rapid adoption of generative AI have sparked significant interest in responsible AI across Japan. Corporate users, in particular, are highly engaged, seeking guidance on how to effectively implement generative AI and establish robust policies and guidelines.

Meanwhile, students are increasingly curious about the capabilities of generative AI while also becoming more aware of the associated risks. Many are showing a strong willingness to learn the importance of using AI in ethical and responsible ways.

A message for those interested in learning more about responsible AI

Generative AI continues to evolve daily, and it is set to have an even greater impact on society and businesses in the future. This makes learning about responsible AI an essential part of leveraging AI effectively. For businesses, it’s crucial to establish policies and guidelines tailored to their specific needs and to align their responsible AI efforts with their strategic goals and objectives.

Microsoft resources recommended by Akira for learning more about responsible AI

Responsible AI is still a relatively new field, but Microsoft has been actively working in this area for many years and offers a wealth of valuable information.

Beyond just insights, Microsoft also provides the tools needed to put responsible AI principles into practice. Reviewing the content in "Empowering responsible AI practices" is an excellent starting point for gaining a deeper understanding of this critical topic.

----------

Check out other blogs where MVPs shared insights on Responsible AI.

- Learn about Responsible AI with MVP Veronika Kolesnikova | Microsoft Community Hub

- Responsible AI for All from Children to Parents | Microsoft Community Hub