Japan

Twitter

Facebook

Copy Link

Key Facts

Key PlayersSoftBank, NEC, Fujitsu, Preferred Networks

Top InstitutionsRIKEN, University of Tokyo, AIST

AI Policy StanceInnovation-first, no penalties

Notable LegislationAI Promotion Act (Sep 2025)

Top News

EVA AI hosts world's first AI dating cafe where humans romance virtual companions

EVA AI transformed a Manhattan wine bar into an AI pop-up cafe where users could video chat with virtual companions like John Yoon and Claire Lang. The Valentine's Day event tested whether AI relationships could transition from private screens to public spaces, revealing both the appeal and awkwardness of human-AI connection.

Entertainment14 sources

EVA AI hosts world's first AI dating cafe where humans romance virtual companions

Entertainment14 sources

TSMC to produce cutting-edge 3nm AI chips in Japan as demand from tech giants soars

Taiwan's TSMC announced plans to manufacture advanced 3-nanometer semiconductors at its second Kumamoto factory in Japan, a significant upgrade from initial plans. The move addresses bottlenecked production capacity driven by surging AI demand from customers like Nvidia, while also reflecting geopolitical considerations as the chipmaker diversifies beyond Taiwan.

Business3 sources

TSMC to produce cutting-edge 3nm AI chips in Japan as demand from tech giants soars

Business3 sources

Kioxia names new CEO to capture AI storage growth while rivals chase high-bandwidth memory

Japanese flash memory maker Kioxia is promoting Hiroo Oota to CEO as it positions itself to capitalize on surging demand for NAND storage in AI data centers. While competitors Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron focus on high-bandwidth memory, Kioxia sees opportunity in high-density storage solutions. The company's shares have jumped more than 13 times since its late 2024 IPO, reflecting investor confidence in its strategic positioning.

Business2 sources

Kioxia names new CEO to capture AI storage growth while rivals chase high-bandwidth memory

Business2 sources

Google Invests in Sakana AI to Boost Gemini's Presence in Japan's Enterprise Market

Google has invested in Japanese AI startup Sakana AI to strengthen Gemini chatbot's position in Japan, where it trails OpenAI's ChatGPT. The partnership allows Sakana AI to leverage Google's language models while helping Gemini penetrate Japan's corporate landscape. Founded in 2023 and valued at $2.6 billion, Sakana AI has already secured contracts with major Japanese banks and is expanding into government and defense sectors.

Business2 sources

Google Invests in Sakana AI to Boost Gemini's Presence in Japan's Enterprise Market

Business2 sources

Japan Probing Grok AI Over Sexualized Images as Elon Musk's Chatbot Faces Global Backlash

Japan has launched an investigation into Elon Musk's Grok AI service over concerns about non-consensual sexualized images. Economic Security Minister Kimi Onoda warned that all options, including legal measures, are on the table if X Corp fails to improve safeguards. The probe adds Japan to a growing list of countries taking action against the chatbot.

Policy4 sources

Japan Probing Grok AI Over Sexualized Images as Elon Musk's Chatbot Faces Global Backlash

Policy4 sources

Cygames Issues Apology After Fierce Fan Backlash Over AI Studio Launch

Japanese game developer Cygames apologized after announcing Cygames AI Studio, an AI-focused subsidiary, sparking widespread criticism from fans. The studio behind Umamusume and Granblue Fantasy clarified that generative AI isn't used in its products and promised not to implement it without prior notice, though the commitment has left some fans skeptical about future AI adoption.

Technology4 sources

Cygames Issues Apology After Fierce Fan Backlash Over AI Studio Launch

Technology4 sources

Glass cloth shortage emerges as AI boom drains supply, leaving Apple and Nvidia scrambling

A critical glass cloth shortage is threatening AI chip production as Apple, Nvidia, Google, and Amazon compete for limited supplies from Japanese manufacturer Nitto Boseki. The supply crunch, driven by surging AI data center demand, won't ease until 2027. Tech giants are dispatching executives to Japan while racing to qualify alternative suppliers.

Business3 sources

Glass cloth shortage emerges as AI boom drains supply, leaving Apple and Nvidia scrambling

Business3 sources

Japan quadruples AI and chip spending to $7.9 billion as tech race with U.S. and China intensifies

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is set to nearly quadruple its budgeted support for cutting-edge semiconductors and AI development to ¥1.23 trillion ($7.9 billion) for fiscal year 2025. The massive increase reflects Japan's push to strengthen its position in frontier technology as the U.S. and China continue their dominance, while also securing better supply chain access for critical technologies.

Policy2 sources

Japan quadruples AI and chip spending to $7.9 billion as tech race with U.S. and China intensifies

Policy2 sources

Rapidus unveils glass interposer tech to challenge TSMC's dominance in AI chips production

Japan's state-backed chipmaker Rapidus has developed a prototype glass interposer that could cut AI chip production costs significantly. The company plans mass production by 2028, using 600mm glass substrates that yield 10 times more interposers than traditional silicon wafers. This breakthrough positions Rapidus to compete directly with TSMC as Japan invests heavily to rebuild its semiconductor industry.

Technology3 sources

Rapidus unveils glass interposer tech to challenge TSMC's dominance in AI chips production

Technology3 sources

AI robots and humanoid robots take center stage at Tokyo's International Robot Exhibition

Over 670 companies gathered at Tokyo's International Robot Exhibition to showcase AI robots and humanoid robots designed for disaster response and workplace tasks. Kawasaki Heavy Industries demonstrated its Kaleido humanoid performing fire extinguishing and rescue operations, while other exhibitors displayed robots addressing labor shortages through autonomous movement and remote control capabilities.

Technology2 sources

AI robots and humanoid robots take center stage at Tokyo's International Robot Exhibition

Technology2 sources

Micron Announces $9.6 Billion Investment in Japan AI Memory Chip Plant

US memory chip giant Micron Technology plans to invest $9.6 billion in building a new high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chip plant in Hiroshima, Japan, targeting the growing AI market with Japanese government subsidies supporting the project.

Business2 sources

Micron Announces $9.6 Billion Investment in Japan AI Memory Chip Plant

Business2 sources

SoftBank Completes $6.5 Billion Ampere Computing Acquisition to Strengthen AI Strategy

SoftBank Group has finalized its acquisition of semiconductor design company Ampere Computing for $6.5 billion, making it a wholly owned subsidiary. The deal aims to bolster SoftBank's AI computing capabilities through ARM-based processors while supporting broader strategic initiatives.

Business2 sources

SoftBank Completes $6.5 Billion Ampere Computing Acquisition to Strengthen AI Strategy

Business2 sources

Sakana AI Raises $135M Series B at $2.65B Valuation, Targeting Japan-Specific AI Solutions

Tokyo-based Sakana AI secured $135 million in Series B funding at a $2.65 billion valuation to develop AI models optimized for Japanese language and culture. The startup plans to expand into defense, manufacturing, and government sectors while building sovereign AI solutions.

Startups6 sources

Sakana AI Raises $135M Series B at $2.65B Valuation, Targeting Japan-Specific AI Solutions

Startups6 sources

SoftBank and OpenAI Launch Joint Venture in Japan Amid Growing AI Investment Concerns

SoftBank and OpenAI have established a 50-50 joint venture in Japan to localize enterprise AI solutions, with SoftBank becoming the first customer. The move comes as analysts raise concerns about circular AI investments and inflated valuations.

Business2 sources

SoftBank and OpenAI Launch Joint Venture in Japan Amid Growing AI Investment Concerns

Business2 sources

Studio Ghibli and Japanese Publishers Challenge OpenAI Over Unauthorized AI Training

Japanese content creators, including Studio Ghibli and Square Enix, demand OpenAI stop using their copyrighted works to train AI models without permission, highlighting global tensions over AI copyright law and artistic protection.

Policy12 sources

Studio Ghibli and Japanese Publishers Challenge OpenAI Over Unauthorized AI Training

Policy12 sources

Prev 1 2 3 456 Next