Microsoft announced on Friday that it will invest 1.6 trillion yen (approximately $10 billion) in Japan between 2026 and 2029 to expand artificial intelligence infrastructure and strengthen cybersecurity cooperation.
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The investment plan was unveiled during a visit to Tokyo by Brad Smith and aligns with the technology-driven growth strategy of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
As part of the initiative, Microsoft aims to train one million engineers and developers in Japan by 2030, helping to address a growing skills gap in advanced technologies.
The company will collaborate with local firms, including SoftBank and Sakura Internet, to expand domestic AI computing capacity. This will enable businesses and government agencies to store sensitive data within Japan while accessing Microsoft’s cloud platform, Microsoft Azure.
Microsoft also plans to deepen cooperation with Japanese authorities on cybersecurity, including intelligence sharing related to cyber threats and crime prevention.
Japan’s adoption of AI technologies has accelerated in recent years, with roughly one in five working-age individuals now using generative AI tools. However, the country is expected to face a shortage of more than three million AI and robotics workers by 2040, highlighting the urgency of workforce development.
