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Technology

Japan’s young adults see AI taking a bigger role in human relationships

hellohimachalse@gmail.com 03 Aug 2026 3 days ago

Nearly one in four people in Japan believe advanced artificial intelligence could one day replace their friends and family, according to a nationwide survey by . The finding offers a curious look at how people are thinking about AI as chatbots become more capable, personal and widely used.

The result arrives during a major demographic shift in Japan. The number of Japanese nationals living in the country fell below 12 crore for the first time in 42 years, reaching 11.97 crore on January 1, 2026. Japan’s shrinking population, ageing society and smaller households could shape how people use AI for work, daily tasks and emotional support.

Younger adults expect a bigger role for AI

The survey found that 24.9 per cent of respondents thought advanced AI could replace friends and family in the future. Around 65.1 per cent rejected that idea.

The belief was more common among younger and middle-aged respondents:

  • 32.5 per cent among people aged 18 to 29
  • 30.1 per cent among those in their 30s
  • 29.2 per cent among those in their 40s
  • 31.4 per cent among those in their 50s

This does not mean people are preparing to abandon human relationships for a chatbot. The question reflects what respondents think could happen in the future. It does show that a sizeable group now sees AI companionship as a realistic possibility.

How people in Japan use generative AI

Around 30.8 per cent of respondents said they use services such as ChatGPT. Usage rose to 53.3 per cent among people aged 18 to 29 and 56.2 per cent among those in their 30s.

Work was the most common use, cited by 64.7 per cent of AI users. Household tasks such as cooking and cleaning came next at 35.3 per cent. Another 27.1 per cent used AI to ask about current affairs.

Some uses were more personal. About 21.7 per cent chatted with AI about music, fictional characters and celebrities. Another 12.8 per cent used it to share worries linked to relationships and work.

The interview-based poll covered 2,000 adults across Japan from June 12 for four days. Valid responses came from 57.1 per cent of the sample.

Japan’s population shift adds context

Japan’s population of Japanese residents has now declined for 17 straight years after peaking in 2009. The latest annual fall was 0.76 per cent.

Foreign residents are moving in the opposite direction. Government-linked figures cited in Japanese media put their number above 40 lakh, helping lift the country’s total population to around 12.38 crore. Separate immigration data placed the foreign resident population at a record 41.2 lakh at the end of 2025. The difference comes from the dates and methods used by separate government datasets.

The survey does not prove that population decline is pushing people closer to AI. It raises a timely question about whether conversational systems may play a larger social role in a country facing fewer young people, more elderly residents and growing pressure on care services.

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