Artificial Intelligence in the Aftermath of Algorithmic Modernity: Some Key Contributions and Open Issues in Japanese Sociology

Anthony Elliott, "Artificial Intelligence in the Aftermath of Algorithmic Modernity: Some Key Contributions and Open Issues in Japanese Sociology”, Japanese Journal of Sociology, Volume 35, Issue 1, 2026; 35:e70004

DOi: https://doi.org/10.1111/ijjs.70004.

Abstract

This article provides an overview of some recent conceptual contributions from Japanese sociology on artificial intelligence and the digital revolution, and relates them to the theory of ‘algorithmic modernity’ developed by the author.

The author begins by presenting the international debate on AI. He contrasts the ‘sceptics’, who view the AI revolution as largely a matter of marketing hype, with the ‘transformationalists’, who see it as a profound disruption of the economy, society and politics. He then examines Japan’s position: its leadership in industrial robotics, the ‘AI as a Service’ strategy launched in 2017 under Shinzo Abe, and a tight labour market coupled with an ageing population, which could favour automation.

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