Japan will use generative artificial intelligence (AI) to teach the Japanese language to children with foreign roots.

The move comes amid a shortage of teachers who can speak languages, such as Portuguese, Chinese, and Spanish, Kyodo News reported on Thursday.

Guidelines are expected to be prepared to use AI to adopt effective teaching methods for other subjects in addition to Japanese instruction.

The Education Ministry plans to create a system that combines generative AI-powered translation applications with online teaching to educate all students regardless of their background.

Reportedly, the ministry is planning to include the related expenses of the plan in its budget request for fiscal 2026, which starts next April, to finalize the guidelines within the year.

There were around 69,000 students who required Japanese language instruction enrolled in the public school system as of May 2023, marking the highest number since 1991.

However, approximately 10 percent of them currently do not receive Japanese language support in class or after school. (PNA)