Microsoft invests $10 billion to deepen its AI footprint in Japan, partnering with SoftBank and other companies to build a local computing ecosystem
Microsoft announced that it will collaborate with Japan's Sakura Internet and SoftBank to invest $10 billion in developing AI infrastructure in Japan between 2026 and 2029. The plan includes training 1 million engineers by 2030, providing AI computing resources, and supporting domestic data processing. This move responds to the growing demand for cloud services and AI in Japan, and Microsoft will also work with other IT companies to promote the cultivation of AI professionals
According to Zhitong Finance APP, Microsoft (MSFT.US) announced that it has begun discussions with Japanese cloud service company Sakura Internet and SoftBank regarding the development of artificial intelligence infrastructure in Japan.
Microsoft stated that it plans to invest $10 billion in Japan from 2026 to 2029 to build AI infrastructure, enhance cybersecurity, and train 1 million engineers and developers by 2030.
Sakura Internet (which provides internet infrastructure services using domestic data centers in Japan) and Japanese telecom giant SoftBank will collaborate with Microsoft to provide AI computing resources, including GPUs deployed within Japan.
This announcement was made during the visit of Microsoft Vice Chairman and President Brad Smith to Japan, where he met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Smith stated that this investment comes at a time when demand for cloud services and AI services is growing in Japan. According to Microsoft's "AI Diffusion Report," approximately one in five eligible working-age individuals in Japan uses generative AI tools, compared to about one in six globally.
Microsoft stated in a press release that this partnership will allow data to be processed domestically in Japan and support the development of advanced AI systems, such as domestically produced large language models.
SoftBank and Microsoft Japan are also discussing a joint solution aimed at allowing Microsoft Azure customers to utilize SoftBank's AI computing platform.
Additionally, Microsoft will collaborate with five other major Japanese IT companies, including NTT Data, NEC, Fujitsu, and Hitachi, with the goal of training 1 million AI professionals by 2030
