SoftBank and OpenAI Forge Strategic Partnership to Revolutionize AI in Japan
In a landmark move poised to redefine Japan’s corporate landscape, SoftBank Group Corp. and OpenAI have announced the formation of a joint venture named SB OAI Japan GK. This collaboration aims to introduce Crystal Intelligence, an advanced AI solution designed to enhance productivity and management efficiency across Japanese enterprises.
Genesis of the Joint Venture
The partnership between SoftBank and OpenAI has been in development for several months. In February 2025, both companies unveiled plans to develop and market Crystal Intelligence, a sophisticated enterprise AI system tailored to integrate seamlessly with individual companies’ systems and data. This initiative was set to be spearheaded by a joint venture, SB OAI Japan, dedicated exclusively to serving major Japanese corporations.
Crystal Intelligence: A New Era of Enterprise AI
Crystal Intelligence is envisioned as a comprehensive AI solution that amalgamates OpenAI’s cutting-edge products with customized implementation and system integration services. The primary objective is to assist organizations in boosting productivity and refining management practices through the adoption of advanced AI tools. This solution is slated for exclusive availability in Japan, with a planned rollout in 2026.
SoftBank’s Commitment to AI Integration
Demonstrating its dedication to AI integration, SoftBank has committed to investing $3 billion annually to deploy OpenAI’s solutions across its group companies. This substantial investment underscores SoftBank’s ambition to become an AI-native conglomerate, with all employees actively utilizing AI in their daily operations. To date, the group has developed approximately 2.5 million custom ChatGPT instances for internal use, laying a robust foundation for the forthcoming Crystal Intelligence.
Strategic Acquisition for AI Infrastructure
In March 2025, SoftBank took a significant step by acquiring Sharp Corporation’s LCD panel plant in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, for approximately $676 million. This facility is earmarked to be transformed into a large-scale AI data center, with operations expected to commence in 2026. The data center is projected to have a power capacity of around 150 megawatts, providing the necessary infrastructure to support the extensive computational demands of AI development and deployment.
Leadership Perspectives
The leaders of both organizations have expressed their enthusiasm for this collaboration. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, stated, This joint venture with SoftBank is an important step that will accelerate our vision for bringing advanced AI to some of the world’s most influential companies, starting with Japan. Masayoshi Son, Chairman & CEO of SoftBank Group Corp., echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the launch of SB OAI Japan marks the beginning of a new era of innovation that will transform how people work and businesses are managed.
Operational Strategy and Future Outlook
Ahead of the public rollout, SoftBank Corp. plans to implement Crystal Intelligence internally, serving as the inaugural user. This internal deployment aims to validate the solution’s effectiveness in product development and business transformation through advanced AI technologies. The insights and operational expertise gained from this process will be progressively shared with other enterprises via SB OAI Japan.
By introducing Crystal Intelligence and supporting the integration of AI deeply rooted in management and operational processes, SB OAI Japan aspires to revolutionize the management practices of Japanese companies. This initiative is expected to set a precedent for AI-driven transformation worldwide, positioning Japan at the forefront of enterprise AI adoption.
