On May 27, Swissnex in Japan hosted a panel discussion and networking event exploring how these technologies may reshape the ways people remember, mourn, and maintain relationships with those who have passed away. Bringing together perspectives from human-computer interaction, behavioral science, psychology, and AI development, the event examined not only what these technologies can do, but also how society might choose to engage with them.

Mirella Moser, Research Associate at ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, introduced current research on AI afterlife systems from a human-computer interaction perspective. Rather than framing these technologies as replacements for deceased individuals, she was interested in what elements constitute human beings and emphasized their potential role as tools for remembrance. Her presentation highlighted the importance of authenticity and careful design, raising questions about how digital representations can support meaningful reflection without creating the illusion of replacing a person.

Prof. Dr. Megumi Kondo from Kansai Medical University explored the topic through the lens of grief care, behavioral medicine, and Japan’s rapidly aging society. As funerals become increasingly private and opportunities to collectively process grief diminish, she examined how technology is reshaping experiences of loss and relational continuity. Her presentation invited participants to reflect on broader questions surrounding mortality, identity, and what it means to remain human in a digitally mediated world.

Yukihiro Kashiwaguchi, CEO of NIUSIA Co., Ltd., shared practical insights from TalkMemorial.ai, an AI-powered grief-care service designed for individuals experiencing sudden loss. He discussed the ethical principles guiding the platform, including transparency about the AI’s nature, limitations on generated content, and a “graduation” feature intended to support users without encouraging long-term dependency.

The discussion that followed addressed a range of ethical, social, and cultural questions. Participants explored whether AI afterlife systems preserve memories or generate entirely new personalities, where the boundary lies between healthy continuing bonds and unhealthy attachment, and how AI may transform the social functions traditionally served by funerals and memorial practices. The conversation also highlighted cultural differences between Japan and Switzerland regarding emotional closeness, remembrance, and the social acceptance of personalized AI.

Rather than offering definitive answers, the event underscored the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue. As AI continues to reshape how people connect, remember, and grieve, questions surrounding memory, authenticity, and human relationships will become increasingly relevant for society as a whole.