SoftBank Plans AI Data Center in Osaka with OpenAI Collaboration

SoftBank Group is set to acquire a former Sharp LCD panel factory in Sakai, Osaka, for approximately 100 billion yen (about $676 million) to transform it into a major data center for artificial intelligence (AI), in collaboration with OpenAI. The facility aims to begin operations in 2026, with an initial power capacity of 150 megawatts, potentially expanding to 250 megawatts by 2028. This initiative is part of SoftBank's broader strategy to commercialize OpenAI's AI agent models in Japan, customizing them for various industries using client-specific data. The center will play a crucial role in developing autonomous AI agents, which are expected to advance beyond current technologies. The project is linked to the larger Stargate initiative, which aims to bolster AI infrastructure and competitiveness. Overall, SoftBank's investment underscores Japan's ambition to enhance its position in the global AI landscape.