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Comment by Hiroshi Yamakawa (hiroshi-yamakawa) on How can we promote AI alignment in Japan? · 2024-09-12T02:27:31.136Z · LW · GW

Including the above discussion, I have considered the reasons why Japan tends to be passive in AI X-Risk discussions.

Cultural Factors

• Culture aiming for coexistence and co-prosperity with AI: Influenced by polytheistic worldviews and AI-friendly anime, there's an optimistic tendency to view AI as a cooperative entity rather than an adversary, leading to underestimation of risks.
• Suppression of risk identification due to "sontaku" (anticipatory obedience) culture: The tendency to refrain from dissent by anticipating superiors' or organizations' intentions hinders X-Risk discussions.
• Preference for contextual approaches over abstract discussions: Favoring discussions based on specific situations (e.g., setting regulations) makes it difficult to engage in abstract X-Risk discussions (strategic level).
• Agile governance: Emphasizing flexibility in responses often leads to delayed measures against long-term X-Risks.

Cognitive and Psychological Factors

• Lack of awareness regarding AGI feasibility: Insufficient understanding of AI technology's progress speed and potential impact.
• Psychological barrier to excessively large risks: The enormous scale of X-Risks makes it challenging to perceive them as realistic problems.

International Factors

• Language barrier: Access to AI X-Risk discussions is limited as they are primarily conducted in English.
• Low expectations: Insufficient presence both technologically and in risk strategy leads to low expectations from the international community.