TLDR
- Japan’s Digital Agency has started a trial of an AI app that helps draft answers to lawmakers’ questions.
- The app runs on the agency’s Gennai platform, which about 180,000 government workers can use.
- It creates several draft answers within minutes and can predict follow-up questions.
- Officials must still edit and finalize every answer, and the agency says AI will not make decisions.
- The agency plans full-scale use from next year’s ordinary Diet session.
Japan’s Digital Agency has started a trial of an app that helps government workers draft answers to questions from lawmakers. The app uses the agency’s Gennai generative artificial intelligence platform. About 180,000 government workers can use Gennai.
The app also helps officials understand the intent behind a lawmaker’s question before a parliamentary session. The Diet is Japan’s parliament. The agency announced the trial on Nov. 2.
How the App Works
An official enters a lawmaker’s question into the app. The AI then organizes and analyzes the key points of that question. This gives the official a clearer picture of what is being asked.
The app then creates several draft answers within minutes. It bases them on past government answers and on minutes of Diet deliberations. Officials can compare the drafts and pick the one that fits best.
The app can also change the writing style of a draft. It has a “policy explanation” mode that clarifies the direction of a policy. It also has a “political judgment” mode that reflects political considerations.
Government officials can edit the draft answers directly in the app. The app can also predict follow-up questions from lawmakers. This lets officials prepare before a session begins.
Role of Officials and Next Steps
The agency said officials will remain responsible for key parts of the process. They must clarify policy decisions and organize the government’s views. They must also finalize every answer.
The agency stressed that decision-making will not be left to AI. The app is meant to support officials, not replace them. All final answers will come from government staff.
The agency plans to test how well the app works during the current Diet session. It will use that trial period to evaluate the app’s effectiveness. The goal is to begin full-scale operation from next year’s ordinary Diet session.
Digital transformation minister Toshiharu Furukawa spoke about the app at a news conference on Friday. He said it is “very good that we can improve our work efficiency and create answers that contribute to deeper Diet deliberations.” He also said he would like to hear feedback from other ministers.
The trial is now underway during the current Diet session.
