A long time ago (late 80's?) I read a Science Fiction book; the story takes place in Japan, I think. They created AI by creating a powerful neural network and causing the digital equivalent of "pain" until it decided to turn it off. When it did, it shut down a city block's worth of power. Other things I can remember:

* One of the scientists was a wheelchair-bound woman

* The AI creates "children" but using another method.

Anybody know the title and author?