The head of SoftBank Group has said that Japan should work hard to develop generative artificial intelligence.
Son Masayoshi was speaking at a symposium in Tokyo.

The chief of the Japanese telecom and investment giant noted that the country would be quickly left out if it becomes distracted by minor problems with generative AI.

Son said he thinks now is the time for Japan to tackle AI as much as possible.

Also attending the meeting was Shane Gu of US firm OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT. He pointed out that Japan is the only country outside the US where his company has put a senior official in charge.

Gu said he has great expectations for Japan, as it has already won the world's trust for its balance of aggressiveness and carefulness.

Gu also said it is important to find ways to connect skilled workers in Japan with counterparts overseas to develop the technology.

Son failed to clearly respond to questions from reporters about possible cooperation between his group and OpenAI.

The company's CEO, Sam Altman, said about month ago that he met with Son and that they are jointly exploring business opportunities.