Chapter 11. Navigating AI Ethics in Japanese Higher Education: Policies, Challenges, and Collaborative Efforts
Anthony Brian Gallagher
Abstract
Japanese universities have implemented a range of AI policies designed to balance innovation with ethical considerations. These policies typically emphasize responsible AI development and usage, focusing on transparency, accountability, and privacy. Several universities encourage the integration of AI in research and education while ensuring adherence to ethical guidelines that prevent misuse or harm. However, many are unsure of the impact on student usage and plagiarism for submitted and assessed work. Collaborative frameworks with industry and government bodies are common, fostering an environment in which AI advancements are monitored and often denied implementation for fear of data theft. Data privacy is a significant concern, with stringent measures in place to protect personal information and, more importantly, to ensure the security of industry-educational research partnership agreements. Additionally, there is an emphasis on interdisciplinary research to address the societal impacts of AI, promoting a holistic approach to technological advancement. Training programs and workshops on AI ethics are also prevalent, ensuring that students and faculty are well-versed in the potential implications of their work. Through these initial training and awareness sessions, Japanese universities aim to maintain a strong ethical foundation and loyalty to humanity, which hopes to temper the negative impacts of AI. As is customary with Japanese people, the language used is advisory and compliant with each institution’s individual policies, meaning that a national standard is most likely many years away.
About the Contributor
Anthony Brian Gallagher is a multidisciplinary researcher and Specially Appointed Assistant Professor at Meijo University, with a central focus on the Student User Experience (SUX). The last ten years have seen research, presentations, and publications in improving student writing using virtual learning environments, assistive and disruptive technologies, computer-assisted language learning tools to benefit students, ludology, CLIL, cultural anthropology, and performance in education. With a secondary focus on quality assurance and an aim to help others improve their own teaching and course quality, he continues to present at conferences in the Pacific region and provide workshops for faculty and independent groups.
Citation
Gallagher, A. B. (2026). Navigating AI ethics in Japanese higher education: Policies, challenges, and collaborative efforts. In R. Dykes, O. Edwards, D. Bollen, & T. S. W. Lin (Eds.), Artificial intelligence in Japan’s language learning classrooms (pp. 250–274). Candlin & Mynard. https://doi.org/10.47908/45/11
Japanese universities have implemented a range of AI policies designed to balance innovation with ethical considerations. These policies typically emphasize responsible AI development and usage, focusing on transparency, accountability, and privacy. Several universities encourage the integration of AI in research and education while ensuring adherence to ethical guidelines that prevent misuse or harm. However, many are unsure of the impact on student usage and plagiarism for submitted and assessed work. Collaborative frameworks with industry and government bodies are common, fostering an environment in which AI advancements are monitored and often denied implementation for fear of data theft. Data privacy is a significant concern, with stringent measures in place to protect personal information and, more importantly, to ensure the security of industry-educational research partnership agreements. Additionally, there is an emphasis on interdisciplinary research to address the societal impacts of AI, promoting a holistic approach to technological advancement. Training programs and workshops on AI ethics are also prevalent, ensuring that students and faculty are well-versed in the potential implications of their work. Through these initial training and awareness sessions, Japanese universities aim to maintain a strong ethical foundation and loyalty to humanity, which hopes to temper the negative impacts of AI. As is customary with Japanese people, the language used is advisory and compliant with each institution’s individual policies, meaning that a national standard is most likely many years away.
About the Contributor
Anthony Brian Gallagher is a multidisciplinary researcher and Specially Appointed Assistant Professor at Meijo University, with a central focus on the Student User Experience (SUX). The last ten years have seen research, presentations, and publications in improving student writing using virtual learning environments, assistive and disruptive technologies, computer-assisted language learning tools to benefit students, ludology, CLIL, cultural anthropology, and performance in education. With a secondary focus on quality assurance and an aim to help others improve their own teaching and course quality, he continues to present at conferences in the Pacific region and provide workshops for faculty and independent groups.
Citation
Gallagher, A. B. (2026). Navigating AI ethics in Japanese higher education: Policies, challenges, and collaborative efforts. In R. Dykes, O. Edwards, D. Bollen, & T. S. W. Lin (Eds.), Artificial intelligence in Japan’s language learning classrooms (pp. 250–274). Candlin & Mynard. https://doi.org/10.47908/45/11
Information About the Book
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Title: Artificial Intelligence in Japan’s Language Learning Classroom
Editors: Robert Dykes, Oliver Edwards, Dave Bollen, and Tina Shu-wen Lin Publication date: June 2026 Read more... |