HomeSoftBank Acquires $676M Sharp Factory for AI Data Center in Japan
SoftBank is advancing its goal to establish a major AI hub in Japan, both independently and through partnerships like OpenAI. The tech giant confirmed on Friday it will invest $676 million to acquire a former Sharp LCD panel factory, transforming it into an AI data center.
SoftBank’s deal with Sharp includes the land and buildings of the Sakai Plant in Osaka, purchased for 100 billion yen ($676 million).
This acquisition is a critical step for SoftBank, as data centers are essential for the generative AI revolution, requiring significant capacity to train models and support ongoing services.
When asked if the site will support efforts to commercialize OpenAI’s models in Japan, a SoftBank spokesperson referred TechCrunch to a prior announcement about a collaboration with OpenAI to launch an advanced enterprise AI, “Cristal Intelligence,” in Japan. OpenAI declined to comment on the development.
OpenAI reportedly plans to introduce its foundational AI models to Japan, using GPUs at the Sakai plant to develop models. SB OpenAI Japan, a joint venture between SoftBank and OpenAI, will train models with client data from marketing and other activities, then offer tailored AI agents to clients, according to Nikkei.
The data center initiative highlights the expanding partnership between SoftBank and OpenAI.
The companies announced their joint venture in Japan after OpenAI’s collaborations with SoftBank, Oracle, and others to develop multiple AI data centers in the U.S. SoftBank, a major Japanese telecom, is also investing in OpenAI, with reports suggesting a potential $25 billion investment at a $300 billion valuation, though the deal remains unconfirmed.
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Boston, MA | July 15 REGISTER NOWSoftBank’s acquisition of the plant follows a memorandum of understanding signed about 10 months ago to build a large AI data center at a former Sharp LCD panel facility.
SoftBank plans to begin operations in 2026, expecting the Sakai factory’s power capacity to support the AI data center, starting at 150 megawatts and scaling to over 240 megawatts.
The Sakai facility will mark SoftBank’s third data center, alongside an existing one in Tokyo and another under construction in Hokkaido.
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Comments (5)
0/500
![AlbertSanchez]()
SoftBank dropping nearly $700M on a Sharp factory for AI? That's a bold move for Japan's tech scene. I wonder if the local grid can handle the power demands of such a massive data center. OpenAI partnership sounds promising, but let's see if they can actually deliver on the 'major hub' promise without breaking the bank. 🏭💸
![JerryLopez]()
这新闻有意思！孙正义又要搞大事情了🤔花将近7亿美元收购夏普工厂搞AI数据中心，看来他是铁了心要在日本本土建AI枢纽了。不过日本在算力基础设施上一直有点慢半拍，这波投入会不会太激进？而且跟OpenAI合作，数据安全和本土化训练会不会有冲突？希望别又像WeWork那样雷声大雨点小...
![JuanMartínez]()
Interesting move, but I wonder how sustainable it is. Converting semiconductor plants into data centers feels like a quick fix, not a long-term strategy. Hope they have a solid plan for cooling and energy efficiency. 🤔
![GaryGonzalez]()
孫正義さんのAI戦略はやっぱりスケールがでかいな。Sharpの工場をデータセンターに転用する発想が面白い。でも地元雇用への影響は大丈夫かな？🤔 電力消費が半端なさそうだけど、クリーンエネルギーも活用してほしい。
![WillCarter]()
SoftBank снова делает большую ставку на ИИ! Покупка завода Sharp за $676 млн для дата-центра выглядит амбициозно. Но интересно, как это повлияет на местный рынок труда в Японии? Может, скоро увидим новый бум вакансий в сфере ИИ в Осаке 🚀
SoftBank is advancing its goal to establish a major AI hub in Japan, both independently and through partnerships like OpenAI. The tech giant confirmed on Friday it will invest $676 million to acquire a former Sharp LCD panel factory, transforming it into an AI data center.
SoftBank’s deal with Sharp includes the land and buildings of the Sakai Plant in Osaka, purchased for 100 billion yen ($676 million).
This acquisition is a critical step for SoftBank, as data centers are essential for the generative AI revolution, requiring significant capacity to train models and support ongoing services.
When asked if the site will support efforts to commercialize OpenAI’s models in Japan, a SoftBank spokesperson referred TechCrunch to a prior announcement about a collaboration with OpenAI to launch an advanced enterprise AI, “Cristal Intelligence,” in Japan. OpenAI declined to comment on the development.
OpenAI reportedly plans to introduce its foundational AI models to Japan, using GPUs at the Sakai plant to develop models. SB OpenAI Japan, a joint venture between SoftBank and OpenAI, will train models with client data from marketing and other activities, then offer tailored AI agents to clients, according to Nikkei.
The data center initiative highlights the expanding partnership between SoftBank and OpenAI.
The companies announced their joint venture in Japan after OpenAI’s collaborations with SoftBank, Oracle, and others to develop multiple AI data centers in the U.S. SoftBank, a major Japanese telecom, is also investing in OpenAI, with reports suggesting a potential $25 billion investment at a $300 billion valuation, though the deal remains unconfirmed.
Save $200+ on Your TechCrunch All Stage Pass
Innovate smarter. Grow faster. Network deeper. Join industry leaders from Precursor Ventures, NEA, Index Ventures, Underscore VC, and more for a day of strategies, workshops, and valuable connections.
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Boston, MA | July 15 REGISTER NOWSoftBank’s acquisition of the plant follows a memorandum of understanding signed about 10 months ago to build a large AI data center at a former Sharp LCD panel facility.
SoftBank plans to begin operations in 2026, expecting the Sakai factory’s power capacity to support the AI data center, starting at 150 megawatts and scaling to over 240 megawatts.
The Sakai facility will mark SoftBank’s third data center, alongside an existing one in Tokyo and another under construction in Hokkaido.
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Listen onApple PodcastsListen onSpotifyOpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently suggested that it may be time to “pace the rate of AI development” to allow society to “harden around some of these new capability levels.”On the latest episode of TechCrunch’s Equ
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SoftBank dropping nearly $700M on a Sharp factory for AI? That's a bold move for Japan's tech scene. I wonder if the local grid can handle the power demands of such a massive data center. OpenAI partnership sounds promising, but let's see if they can actually deliver on the 'major hub' promise without breaking the bank. 🏭💸
这新闻有意思！孙正义又要搞大事情了🤔花将近7亿美元收购夏普工厂搞AI数据中心，看来他是铁了心要在日本本土建AI枢纽了。不过日本在算力基础设施上一直有点慢半拍，这波投入会不会太激进？而且跟OpenAI合作，数据安全和本土化训练会不会有冲突？希望别又像WeWork那样雷声大雨点小...
Interesting move, but I wonder how sustainable it is. Converting semiconductor plants into data centers feels like a quick fix, not a long-term strategy. Hope they have a solid plan for cooling and energy efficiency. 🤔
孫正義さんのAI戦略はやっぱりスケールがでかいな。Sharpの工場をデータセンターに転用する発想が面白い。でも地元雇用への影響は大丈夫かな？🤔 電力消費が半端なさそうだけど、クリーンエネルギーも活用してほしい。
SoftBank снова делает большую ставку на ИИ! Покупка завода Sharp за $676 млн для дата-центра выглядит амбициозно. Но интересно, как это повлияет на местный рынок труда в Японии? Может, скоро увидим новый бум вакансий в сфере ИИ в Осаке 🚀
