SoftBank and OpenAI have announced a 50-50 joint venture, SB OpenAI Japan, aimed at accelerating AI adoption among Japanese enterprises and building Japan’s AI infrastructure, Commercial Daily News reported on February 4. The company, led by SoftBank’s telecom unit, will employ 1,000 staff members and roll out enterprise AI solutions under the "Cristal Intelligence" brand.
SoftBank has committed to paying USD 3 billion per year to OpenAI for access to its technology, integrating tools such as ChatGPT Enterprise, API automation, custom AI models, and AI agents like Operator and Deep Research. Additionally, to bolster Japan’s AI infrastructure, SoftBank and OpenAI plan to develop data centers and power facilities. SoftBank is expected to repurpose Sharp’s Sakai LCD plant site, while an AI data center in Hokkaido is slated to launch in fiscal year 2026, starting April 2026.
According to Taipei-based research firm Market Intelligence & Consulting Institute (MIC), nearly 20% (19.2%) of Japanese companies have adopted AI, with 47.9% of large enterprises (1,001+ employees) integrating AI into their operations. MIC notes that Japan’s AI adoption is likely driven by a growing labor shortage and recent labor law reforms limiting overtime in certain industries. More than 70% of AI-adopting Japanese firms cite efficiency improvements and productivity gains as key motivations for AI integration.