AI Dependence Eroding Students' Kanji Literacy, Warns Japanese Startup VC

A growing reliance on AI tools is causing students to lose their ability to read kanji, according to a video commentary from Setouchi Startup Flag, a Japanese startup-focused media channel. In a recent short video titled "Students are deteriorating due to AI dependence, unable to read kanji," the channel highlights a concerning trend among young learners who increasingly turn to generative AI for answers, leading to a decline in fundamental literacy skills. The commentary suggests that as students become more dependent on AI for writing and problem-solving, their proficiency in reading complex kanji characters is suffering. This development raises questions about the long-term impact of AI integration in education and the potential need for balanced approaches that preserve core competencies.