What's happened
Microsoft is investing $2.9 billion in Japan for cloud computing and AI infrastructure. Tokyo-based startup Sakana AI, founded by former Google researchers, is gaining traction in Japan. OpenAI has opened an office in Tokyo and released a custom GPT-4 model for Japanese users.
Why it matters
The expansion of AI companies in Japan signifies the country's growing importance in the AI market. These investments will boost technological development, create job opportunities, and enhance Japan's position in the global AI landscape.
What the papers say
Microsoft is making its largest investment in Japan to bolster its cloud computing and AI infrastructure, aiming to provide AI skills to millions of people. Sakana AI, a Tokyo-based startup, is capitalizing on Japan's interest in AI, targeting projects with major companies and government agencies. OpenAI's move to open an office in Tokyo and release a custom GPT-4 model demonstrates its commitment to the Japanese market.
How we got here
Japan's focus on AI stems from a desire to stay competitive in the global tech industry. The government's support for AI initiatives and the presence of major tech players like Microsoft, Google, and OpenAI have contributed to the growth of the AI sector in Japan.
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Japan is an island country of East Asia in the northwest Pacific Ocean. It borders the Sea of Japan to the west and extends from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south.
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Bradford Lee Smith is an American attorney and technology executive currently serving as President of Microsoft, concurrently serving as chief legal officer.
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Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational technology company with headquarters in Redmond, Washington. It develops, manufactures, licenses, supports, and sells computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers, and related services.
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Fumio Kishida is a Japanese politician and the former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan from 2012 to 2017. He is a member of the House of Representatives and the Liberal Democratic Party.