Professor Kaori Hayashi, Executive Vice President of the University of Tokyo, emphasized that in the era of artificial intelligence (AI), the role of credible and discerning journalists has become increasingly vital.
In her keynote address at the 3rd JICA Chair on Monday, June 30, 2025, Professor Hayashi refuted the notion that AI has diminished the importance of journalists, arguing that AI has instead highlighted the critical importance of credible journalism.
She noted that the rise of AI has led to a surge in misinformation, amplifying the necessity for mainstream journalism to distinguish accurate reporting from false narratives, thereby safeguarding the profession's integrity.
Professor Hayashi urged media practitioners to view AI not as a competitor but as a tool to enhance their work and advocated for intentional efforts to integrate AI into journalistic practices to ensure timely and accurate dissemination of information.
