Welcome to the B’AI website.

We are a group of researchers and practitioners who think about gender and minorities along with their relationship with information technology in the AI era. We are interested in identifying problems and putting forward recommendations for solutions. This forum was launched in July 2020 as a project within the Institute for AI and Beyond at the University of Tokyo.

B’AI is about discovering the various kinds of “B” related to AI, such as Behind AI, Beneath AI, Before, and pursuing a world that respects gender equality and minorities. We welcome you to join us in thinking about how we live with information technology.

Director’s Message

Our mission is to deepen the understanding of AI—one that transcends technological advancements to encompass its historical, cultural, and ethical dimensions. The development and use of AI are embedded within existing structures of power, shaped by historical trajectories, and intertwined with human values. Through research, public engagement, and international collaboration, we aim to challenge dominant narratives and explore alternative visions for AI that promote fairness, inclusivity, and accountability.

We strive to create a space for critical reflection and constructive dialogue. As AI technology becomes increasingly embedded in everyday life, it is necessary to disrupt, reconfigure, and reframe the existing order by questioning what has become taken for granted. This is not only about critiquing AI that may produce biased data or perpetuate social inequalities, but also about examining how these “realities” were shaped and proposing alternatives. A critical perspective on conventional gender ideology, racism, and colonialism—forces that continue to underpin the dominant discourses on AI—is vital.

We invite you to join us in this endeavor—whether as a researcher, a practitioner, or a concerned citizen—so that together, we can shape a future where AI serves the broader public good.

April 2025
Ai Hisano