A number of major Japanese companies are starting to move together in the artificial intelligence or AI sector. Quoted from Kyodo News, Sunday, April 12, SoftBank, NEC, Honda, and Sony formed a new company to develop large-scale AI models that will be used by companies in Japan.
This move shows that Japan wants to accelerate the development of AI in the country. The target is clear, catching up with the United States and China, which are currently ahead in the competition for this technology. These companies also hope to receive funding support from the Japanese government.
According to a source quoted by Kyodo News, the AI model that is being prepared will later be shared with other Japanese companies. After that, its development will be expanded to other models, including AI to operate factory robots.
The new company plans to recruit around 100 AI engineers. Initial development will be led by a SoftBank executive.
Not only that, a number of other big names also joined as investors. They are Nippon Steel, Kobe Steel, MUFG Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp., and Mizuho Bank.
In the initial stage, the development of AI will be led by SoftBank and NEC. After that, the Tokyo-based AI developer, Preferred Networks Inc., will join.
The new company also plans to apply for funding from the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization, a public institution that prepares funds of up to 1 trillion yen, or about 6.3 billion US dollars, for the development of domestic AI.
The move shows the direction of the Japanese industry. In the midst of increasingly fierce AI competition, major companies in the country are no longer going it alone. They choose to build a common strength or collaborate so as not to lag further behind.
Originally written by: Tim VOI
Source: VOI
Published on: 12 April 2026
Link to original article: SoftBank, Sony, Honda Unite, Japan Form New Company to Develop AI
