Since the dawn of civilization, technological progress has profoundly influenced our daily lives as well as society as a whole, and right now we are experiencing rapid developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI).

AI differs from every other technology in how it distills progress in sheer autonomy. AI possesses the ability to learn from new data, adapt to novel situations, and achieve improved results all on its own. Moreover, it mimics human creativity by producing completely novel output and even reaching heretofore unseen achievements. By improving overall autonomy, AI demonstrates the ability to handle more complex tasks with less human involvement than ever before. We foresee that technology such as this, by offering disproportionate value and profits to our society, will rapidly become an inevitable and inseparable part of every human activity

However, the level of autonomy offered by AI is inextricably linked with problems of a similar magnitude, such as the potential for operating against human intentions or outside the limits of human control. As such, in the name of human societal progress, it is imperative that AI systems behave according to the purposes and preferences intended by humans. AI Alignment is the technological domain that sets out to ensure that imperative.

AI alignment is not simply a problem of ascribing the correct rules to AI systems. Beyond just the technology itself, we must develop a multifaceted understanding and wisdom for how AI interacts with humans and society as well as the environment that times them all together. In order to realize concrete designs and practices around AI alignment, we are tasked with building a diverse network of stakeholders that includes both researchers and professionals across multiple domains.

In order to promote AI alignment research and practices, we have established the AI Alignment Network General Incorporated Association. Our primary activity is to cultivate and support AI alignment research. In the face of a researcher shortage both domestically and abroad, we strengthen the overall field by driving forward both education and research in the field.

Japan, as a technologically advanced country, also boasts a diverse culture and tradition as well as an advanced legal system. This unique background gives us a special perspective on how to seek out novel solutions to the problem of a harmonious future with AI.

Through this particular lens, we strive to build a harmonious future where AI and humans can thrive together and hope to become a cornerstone in the collaborative task we all face together in making this future a reality.