Japan to create defense research hubs at universities for AI, space tech

Tokyo eyes greater long-term perspective amid rapid changes in security sector Japan has lagged in next-generation defense research while the U.S. and China are pulling ahead. (Nikkei montage/Source photos by Nikkei, JAXA) TOKYO -- Japan will establish research hubs by fiscal 2031 at universities and other institutions for technologies that can apply to defense equipment, helping the country respond to new warfare in fields like artificial intelligence and space.