Japan is embracing a chatbot of OpenAI’s, known as ChatGPT, with “open” arms. About 4,000 employees of the municipal government office in Yokosuka, Kanagawa, initiated a month-long trial of the AI-based chatbot for administrative work. The aim of this move is to free up human resources for tasks that can be done only in person, despite the decline in the population and declining number of employees.
Yokosuka Mayor Katsuaki Kamiji commented positively on this initiative, saying that ChatGPT is one of the tools that could help residents lead better lives. The trial is conducted through LoGoChat, a chat tool already implemented in local governments. This chatbot is connected to ChatGPT, created by OpenAI.
The move also came after Sam Altman, OpenAI’s CEO, visited Japan, when he met with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and announced plans to open an office in the country. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno pointed out the importance of assessing the potential threats of using AI in government services. Taro Kono, the Digital Minister, expressed interest in using AI for administrative tasks, while the ministries and agencies of the central government are examining using ChatGPT for tasks such as assisting in formulating answers to questions posed by lawmakers.
OpenAI is a research laboratory based in San Francisco, dedicated to the development of artificial intelligence technologies in the public interest. Founded in December 2015, the organization focuses on the development of technologies that could be used for various AI applications. OpenAI is backed by global technology leaders such as Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, and Google, who support its development efforts. Under the leadership of Sam Altman, OpenAI is making strides in the development of innovative and responsible AI applications.
