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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.
Industry
Japan to inject about 6 trillion won into Rapidus in bid to revive chip industry
Japan will provide Rapidus with an additional 631.5 billion yen in commissioned research and development funding for fiscal 2026, aimed at advancing the company’s plan to begin mass production in the second half of fiscal 2027. Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Ryosei Akazawa unveiled the plan at Rapidus’ plant in Chitose, Hokkaido. The new funds will be used for prototype performance evaluation and yield improvements. Cumulative government support will rise to 2.35 trillion yen, with separate capital injections also planned.
AI & Enterprise
Japan speeds up \'physical AI\' push amid severe labour shortages
Japan has set out a goal of fostering “physical AI” as a core national industry, driven by population decline and labour shortages. Physical AI refers to AI that moves and reacts in the real world. Japan plans to build an industrial base with a target of securing a 30 percent share of the global physical AI market by 2040. The focus is on maintaining operational continuity in factories, warehouses and infrastructure sites.
