METI Reorganizes AI, Robotics, and IT Talent Development

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry approved a Cabinet Order revising part of the ministry’s organizational ordinance to ensure the proper execution of its assigned duties. The revision reassesses organizational responsibilities concerning AI and robotics, information processing, digital utilization, and IT talent development.

Promulgation and enforcement of the revised Cabinet Order are scheduled for August 5, 2026 (Wednesday).

Establish the AI Industry Division within the Commerce and Information Policy Bureau to create a framework for jointly promoting AI and robotics.

Create a framework for jointly promoting environmental development for digital utilization and IT talent development through the transfer of responsibilities to the Information Economy Division.

Transfer the Manufacturing Industries Bureau’s responsibilities concerning robotics to the Commerce and Information Policy Bureau, and establish the Information Systems Development and Robotics Division, commonly known as the AI Industry Division, within that bureau. Also transfer to the AI Industry Division the responsibilities for research and development of information-processing technologies previously carried out by the Information Industry Division.

Abolish the Information Technology Utilization Promotion Division of the Commerce and Information Policy Bureau, and transfer its responsibilities concerning the information-processing engineer examination system and IT talent development to the Information Economy Division, which handles responsibilities related to promoting information processing.