AI & Enterprise

Japan AI latecomer starts counterattack with Nvidia, SoftBank, Microsoft big tech alliance

Japanese companies are expanding cooperation with global big tech to strengthen artificial intelligence competitiveness. Station Ai is running an AI Boost Program with SoftBank and Nvidia to support five startups, offering free access to high-performance GPUs and engineering help. Microsoft plans to invest 1.6 trillion yen in Japan from 2026 to 2029. SoftBank, NEC, Honda and Sony Group will set up a joint venture to develop foundation models, while the government plans 1 trillion yen in support.

Mobility

Sony, Honda to effectively wind down EV joint venture, reassign staff to parent companies

Sony Group and Honda will effectively halt their EV development joint venture, Sony Honda Mobility, after concluding it would be difficult to launch products and services in the near term under the current structure. Staff will be reassigned within the groups, reflecting employees’ preferences, while the company will be maintained. The move directly affects the Afeela EV brand, whose first model planned for 2026 has been halted, and development of a second model has also stopped.