Microsoft Invests $2.9 Billion in Japan

Microsoft announced that it will invest $2.9 billion in the next two years to enhance its cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure in Japan, marking the company’s largest investment in Japan.
Microsoft President Brad Smith announced the news on Tuesday after meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Washington. The Nikkei Shimbun earlier reported on Microsoft’s new investment.
Microsoft will expand its digital training program to provide AI skills to over 3 million people over the next three years. The company also plans to open a laboratory in Japan that focuses on AI and robotics technology, while deepening cooperation with the Japanese government on cybersecurity.
Fumio Kishida held a roundtable meeting with business leaders in Washington on Tuesday, calling on US corporate executives to increase investment in key technologies such as semiconductors, AI, and quantum computing in Japan.

Fumio Kishida will hold a summit with US President Biden on Wednesday local time to discuss cooperation in areas such as defense, economic security, semiconductors, AI, and quantum computing.
Japan is actively attracting investment from major technology giants, especially in the field of AI.
In order to better support the development of the AI industry, Japan released an updated semiconductor strategy in June last year, with the goal of doubling domestic semiconductor sales to over 15 trillion yen by 2030.
Last December, NVIDIA CEO Huang Renxun announced that NVIDIA plans to collaborate with research institutions and experts to establish an AI research laboratory in Japan, invest in local startups, and educate the public on the use of AI.
Previously, there were media reports that OpenAI, a US AI research company, will set up an Asian office in Tokyo, Japan in April. The company is starting to expand its international business, which will become its third international office.