Japan's Sakura Internet jumps 20% as Microsoft plans billion AI push with SoftBank
On April 3, 2026, shares of Sakura Internet surged by over 20% following an announcement from Microsoft regarding a significant investment in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure in Japan. This investment is part of a broader collaboration with SoftBank, aimed at enhancing AI capabilities and training a substantial workforce in the tech sector.
Key Details of the Investment
Microsoft has pledged to invest $10 billion in Japan between the years 2026 and 2029. This investment is focused on several critical areas:
- Building AI infrastructure
- Strengthening cybersecurity measures
- Training 1 million engineers and developers by the year 2030
Partnership with SoftBank and Sakura Internet
Sakura Internet, a company known for providing internet infrastructure services through domestic data centers, will collaborate with SoftBank Corp. and Microsoft to deliver AI computing resources. This includes the deployment of graphics processing units (GPUs) within Japan, which are essential for running advanced AI models.
The announcement was made during a visit to Japan by Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith, who met with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Smith emphasized the growing demand for cloud and AI services in Japan, noting that approximately one in five working-age individuals in the country currently utilize generative AI tools. This figure is notably higher than the global average of one in six.
Implications for the Japanese Market
The partnership between Microsoft, SoftBank, and Sakura Internet is expected to have several implications for the Japanese market:
- Increased Investment in Technology: The $10 billion investment signifies a strong commitment from Microsoft to bolster Japan’s technological landscape.
- Job Creation: Training 1 million AI professionals will not only enhance the skills of the workforce but also create new job opportunities in the tech sector.
- Advancement of AI Systems: With the partnership, data processing will occur within Japan, supporting the development of advanced AI systems, including domestic large language models.
Collaboration with Other Japanese IT Companies
In addition to its partnership with SoftBank and Sakura Internet, Microsoft is also collaborating with five other major Japanese IT companies. These include:
- NTT Data Corp.
- NEC
- Fujitsu
- Hitachi
This collaboration aims to further the training of AI professionals, ensuring that Japan remains competitive in the global technology arena.
Market Reactions
The announcement had a positive impact on the stock market. Shares of Sakura Internet rose by 20.2% on the day of the announcement. Additionally, SoftBank Group saw a slight increase of 0.22%, while SoftBank Corp. experienced a rise of 1.02% in its stock value.
Conclusion
Microsoft’s investment in Japan represents a significant step towards enhancing the country’s AI capabilities and infrastructure. The collaboration with SoftBank and Sakura Internet not only promises to improve technological resources but also aims to equip a new generation of engineers and developers with the necessary skills for the future. As demand for AI services continues to grow, this partnership positions Japan as a key player in the global tech landscape.
Note: The information provided in this article is based on the latest available data and may be subject to change as new developments arise.
