FY2026 Information and Communications Law Study Group Meeting
Overview
The Information and Communications Law Study Group is scheduled to meet by web conference on October 21, 2026. Member Osamu Sudoh will present “Major Trends in Cutting-Edge AI and the Future of AI Governance,” covering frontier AI trends, AI governance challenges, and the significance of sovereign AI. Those wishing to observe must register in advance via Webex by 12:00 on October 16.
Key points
- The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 13:30 to 15:30.
- Member Osamu Sudoh will present “Major Trends in Cutting-Edge AI and the Future of AI Governance.”
- The deadline to register to observe is Friday, October 16, at 12:00.
Overview
The notice explains that rapid advances in artificial intelligence have brought humanity to a historic turning point, as AI evolves from a convenient tool into an agent capable of thinking and acting autonomously.
It states that “Agentic AI,” in which multiple AI agents autonomously coordinate and interact, and “Physical AI,” which interacts with the physical world, are emerging and fundamentally reshaping society and the nature of human work.
Details
The meeting will be held by web conference. The agenda is (1) “Major Trends in Cutting-Edge AI and the Future of AI Governance” (presentation by Member Osamu Sudoh) and (2) other matters. The presentation will survey frontier AI trends, discuss the serious AI governance challenges they pose, and explain the significance of sovereign AI (AI sovereignty) in a rapidly changing future.
Presenter Osamu Sudoh is Professor Emeritus at the University of Tokyo. His listed career includes Professor at the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Information Studies and Interfaculty Initiative in Information Studies (April 2000–March 2021); Dean of the same graduate school and initiative (April 2012–March 2015); Professor at Chuo University’s Faculty of Global Informatics (April 2020–March 2026); and member of the OECD Expert Group on AI Futures (July 2023–present).
Observation will take place using Webex webinar functionality. Applicants should enter their participant information using the registration button on the application page, and enter their name in “surname, given name” order. No registration-completion email will be sent even after the completion screen appears. The meeting URL and other information will be emailed by Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications staff by the morning of the meeting day.
Applications cannot be submitted after the deadline. If there are many applicants, observers may be limited, including by closing registration before the deadline. Those who have not registered in advance cannot observe. Observers must follow the advance instructions, mute their audio, and refrain from recording. If a problem occurs, participants should reconnect or take other steps themselves; the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications may be unable to assist. Those who do not follow instructions may be removed from the meeting (disconnected).