Microsoft has announced that it will invest US$ 10 billion in Japan between 2026 and 2029 to expand artificial intelligence infrastructure, strengthen cybersecurity cooperation, and train workers. This new investment builds on the US$ 2.9 billion Microsoft had already invested in Japan two years ago.

In an official blog Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President, Microsoft, said that the investment plan includes expanding Microsoft’s own infrastructure in Japan and working with multiple domestic companies to provide more AI computing capacity inside the country. Microsoft will collaborate with SoftBank and Sakura Internet, so Japanese customers can access GPU-based AI computing services through Azure while keeping data in Japan.

He said, “Microsoft is deeply invested in Japan, and today’s announcement will enable us to meet the country’s growing demand for cloud and AI services.”

The partnership between Microsoft and Softbank aims to allow customers to use its AI computing platform through Azure in sectors that require strict confidentiality and data sovereignty.

“SoftBank is advancing the development of social infrastructure to accelerate the real‑world adoption of AI with Microsoft will expand the range of AI infrastructure options available in Japan,” said Junichi Miyakawa, President & CEO, SoftBank Corp.”

Sakura Internet is considering offering domestic AI infrastructure services developed with Microsoft.

Kunihiro Tanaka, Founder, CEO and President, SAKURA internet Inc, said, “As digital transformation accelerates across society and industry, the importance of computing infrastructure that supports AI adoption continues to grow.”

Microsoft plans to expand cybersecurity cooperation with Japan’s National Cybersecurity Office and the National Police Agency. By sharing threat intelligence, support the use of AI and cloud technologies in cybersecurity, and work with authorities to identify and disrupt cybercrime networks.

The company also announced a US$ 1 million research grant program for Japanese scientists to support large-scale AI analysis and simulation. A separate fellowship program will provide AI and digital skills training and connect researchers with Microsoft’s global research network.

The prime arrangement is aimed at industries such as robotics, manufacturing and the development of Japanese large language models, where companies and researchers require domestic data storage and locally managed infrastructure.

 

Source link