Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi has warned that the international community is entering a period of major change as global power dynamics shift and conflicts continue to grow.
Speaking in Tokyo on October 1, 2026, Motegi said rapid developments in technology, particularly generative artificial intelligence, are creating new challenges for countries around the world. He also pointed to the growing spread of misinformation as a serious concern.
Motegi explained that social media and advanced digital technologies have made it possible for information to reach millions of people within seconds. While this has improved communication, it has also made it more difficult to identify false or misleading information and prevent its rapid spread.
According to Motegi, the growing influence of disinformation can create confusion, deepen divisions and make it harder for countries and societies to respond to international challenges. He stressed that reliable information is increasingly important in an environment where technology is developing rapidly.
The Japanese foreign minister also highlighted the importance of free, responsible and trustworthy journalism. He said professional journalism plays an important role in providing accurate information and helping build trust and meaningful dialogue between countries.
Kazuo Kodama, president of the Foreign Press Center Japan and a former Japanese ambassador to the European Union, also spoke about the challenges facing the international community. He called for greater efforts to address geopolitical conflicts while protecting democratic values around the world.
The remarks were made during an event marking the 50th anniversary of the Foreign Press Center Japan. The discussions focused on the changing global information environment and the role of journalism in an era increasingly shaped by social media, artificial intelligence and geopolitical tensions.
Both Motegi and Kodama emphasized the need for responsible communication and international cooperation as countries face a rapidly changing global landscape.