A Japanese political party announced Tuesday that it will install an artificial intelligence system as its new leader, following the resignation of its founder after a poor showing in recent elections.
The Path to Rebirth party, founded in January by Shinji Ishimaru—a former mayor of a small city in western Japan—gained initial attention for its unconventional approach and digital campaign tactics. However, it failed to secure any seats in this year’s upper house elections.
Ishimaru, who surprised many by placing second in the 2024 Tokyo gubernatorial race, stepped down as party leader after the disappointing performance.
“The new leader will be AI,” said Koki Okumura, a 25-year-old doctoral student in artificial intelligence at Kyoto University, who will serve as the AI’s assistant and nominal head of the party.
Speaking at a press conference, Okumura said details of the AI leadership system—including when and how it will be implemented—are still being worked out. He clarified that the AI will not set political agendas for party members but will focus on internal matters such as the allocation of party resources.
The party, which has no unified policy platform, allows its members to pursue independent agendas. Despite some initial buzz, it has struggled to gain electoral traction. All 42 of its candidates lost in the June Tokyo assembly election, and all 10 candidates in the July upper house race were also defeated.
While the move to appoint an AI leader has attracted media attention, it remains to be seen whether it can revive the party’s political fortunes.
AFP
