Bridge-weaving diplomacy: Japan’s strategy for AI governance in navigating geopolitical fragmentation

Global AI governance is taking on geopolitical dimensions as major powers pursue divergent regulatory models. In this context of normative fragmentation – visible both in intra-G7 divergences and in potential tensions between G7-led frameworks and sovereignty-emphasizing approaches advanced by other major actors – this article analyses Japan’s diplomatic role. The article conceptualizes Japan’s strategy as ‘bridge-weaving diplomacy’ and examines its two-stage process. First, it ‘bridged’ divergent approaches within the G7 to forge an interoperable consensus – the Hiroshima AI Process (HAIP) – in cooperation with other member states. Second, it has sought to ‘weave’ this consensus beyond the G7 into a more inclusive framework, notably through the establishment of the HAIP Friends Group, as well as its cooperative postures towards other nations including ASEAN countries. Drawing on an analysis of events from 2023 to 2025, official sources and interviews with key informants, the article argues that this approach can be taken as a critical enabling role in mitigating normative fragmentation while enhancing the legitimacy of a governance model grounded in liberal-democratic principles (human rights, rule of law and multi-stakeholder participation), amidst potential structural tensions with state-sovereignty-oriented approaches. Japan’s case provides a granular analysis of middle-power statecraft amid geopolitical competition, offering a new perspective on debates surrounding norm formation.