Recently, Japan's Kyodo News reported that four companies, SoftBank, NEC, Honda, and Sony, have established a new company focused on the development of artificial intelligence (AI) foundational models. This initiative aims to counter the current leading positions of the United States and China in the AI field and achieve technological advancement with the support of the Japanese government.

The company is named "Japan AI Foundation Model Development Company," which plans to gather around 100 AI developers, with a senior executive from SoftBank serving as the company's president. Notably, besides these four companies, Japan Steel Works, Kobe Steel, and three major banks (including Mitsubishi UFJ Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, and Mizuho Bank) have also invested in the company. This indicates the high level of attention and support from various sectors towards Japan's AI development.

According to the report, SoftBank and NEC will be responsible for the development of AI models, while Honda plans to apply the results of the development to autonomous driving technology. Notably, Tokyo-based AI development company Preferred Networks has also participated in the project, planning to widely open the developed AI technology to Japanese companies. In addition, the project will also explore applications in the field of robot control in the future.

To promote the progress of this project, the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) of Japan is currently seeking companies interested in developing the AI of Nissan. If the new company is selected, it is expected to receive up to 1 trillion yen (approximately 42.796 billion Chinese yuan) in fiscal support over the next five years starting from the 2026 fiscal year. This policy background involves legal adjustments aimed at making Japan one of the most convenient countries in the world for developing AI applications.

Shingo Matsumoto, Minister of Digital Transformation, stated that with the revision of the Personal Information Protection Law, Japan will relax restrictions on sharing personal data, reduce the necessity of user consent, and thus create a more convenient environment for AI application development.

Key Points:

- 🤝 SoftBank, NEC, Honda, Sony, and other companies have established a new company focusing on the development of Japan's AI foundational models.

- 🚀 The company plans to attract around 100 AI developers, involving cross-industry collaboration to promote technological applications.

- 💰 If supported in the next five years, the company is expected to receive up to 1 trillion yen in funding, helping to boost Japan's AI industry development.