SoftBank Group and OpenAI are collaborating to transform a former Sharp liquid crystal display (LCD) plant in Osaka, Japan, into a state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) data center. The project involves acquiring the facility and part of the land for approximately 100 billion yen (around $677 million), with operations slated to commence in 2026. Once completed, this data center, boasting a power capacity of 150 megawatts, will rank among the largest in Japan.
This initiative is part of a broader partnership between SoftBank and OpenAI, aiming to commercialize OpenAI’s AI agent model by training it on client companies’ data to provide customized AI solutions. The total investment for this endeavor could reach up to 1 trillion yen (approximately $6.77 billion).
In addition to this project, SoftBank and OpenAI have established a joint venture named “SB OpenAI Japan,” dedicated to developing and marketing advanced enterprise AI solutions, including “Cristal intelligence,” tailored to the unique needs of Japanese enterprises.
These developments underscore SoftBank’s commitment to advancing AI infrastructure and applications, both domestically and globally.
