Today, Microsoft announced its investment of 2.9 billion dollars over the next two years to enhance cloud infrastructure and artificial intelligence in Japan. They will also expand digital skills training programs to provide AI qualifications to over 3 million people in the next three years, open the first Microsoft Asia research lab in Japan, and deepen cooperation in cybersecurity with the Japanese government.
These investments aim to support Japan’s key foundation in facing inflation and stimulating the economy by expanding infrastructure, professional talent, and necessary security to accelerate Japan’s digital transformation and embrace machine learning. The announcement coincides with the visit of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to the United States, where he was joined by Microsoft’s Vice President and President Brad Smith, and Microsoft Japan’s President Miki Tsusaka.
Expanding artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure capabilities in Japan
The commitment of 2.9 billion US dollars is the largest investment for Microsoft in its 46-year history in Japan and also marks the location of its first international office. This effectively reinforces the company’s current financial commitment to expanding its AI and cloud infrastructure throughout Japan.
This significant enhancement in digital capability will enable Microsoft to provide more advanced computing resources in Japan, including the latest Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), crucial for accelerating artificial intelligence workloads. This relies on Microsoft’s support for the Creative Artificial Intelligence Acceleration Challenge (GENIAC), a program led by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry that assists innovative startups and large companies in developing core models as essential technology for creative artificial intelligence in Japan.
Developing artificial intelligence capabilities in Japan by training 3 million people:
Microsoft will also invest in training three million full-time and part-time workers across Japan over the next three years to equip them with the skills needed to build and work with AI technologies. This investment will be delivered through programs focused on assisting organizations and the community at large, including women in general, with a focus on developers and students.
Microsoft will expand its Code; Without Barriers program into Japan and provide tailored training for women interested in engaging in AI-related work. They will also offer free and accessible content on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital skills in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).
To nurture advanced AI professionals who can drive AI integration to higher levels, Microsoft will offer courses and blueprints for AI developers and technology companies in Japan. These resources will include AI coding assistance from Microsoft and GitHub Copilot. Additionally, the company will support startups with resources through the Microsoft for Startups Founders Center and assist in implementing AI-focused programs in vocational schools.
To enhance the societal benefits provided through AI by companies of all sizes, governments, and public entities, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Microsoft will continue to implement accredited programs that support widespread adoption and application of AI tools. Furthermore, Microsoft will provide support in developing internal policies for customers in the AI field, including data management and security to ensure responsible and secure usage.
Opening the first Microsoft Research Lab in Asia in Tokyo, Japan
Microsoft Research Asia will extend its leadership in research in the Asia Pacific region by opening a lab in Tokyo.
The new laboratory will focus on a unique range of fields, including embodied artificial intelligence and robotics, artificial intelligence and societal well-being, and scientific discovery that aligns with Japan’s social and economic priorities. Its establishment reflects Microsoft’s long-term commitment to Japan and its belief in the country’s potential to lead the world in innovation.
Microsoft Research is one of the research branches of Microsoft seeking to realize bold ideas and technological innovations in the field of artificial intelligence, leveraging a legacy of advancements in fundamental computer science. As one of its core research divisions in the Asia-Pacific region, Microsoft Research Asia has collaborated with Japanese universities for over two decades, crucial in driving scientific research across diverse disciplines and talent development.
To enhance research collaboration, Microsoft will provide $10 million in resources over the next five years to both the University of Tokyo and the artificial intelligence research partnership between Kyoto University and Carnegie Mellon University.
Collaboration to bolster cybersecurity defenses in Japan.
Microsoft will collaborate with the Japanese government to enhance cybersecurity resilience for the government, businesses, and society, reinforcing the state’s cybersecurity approach according to the government’s updated national security strategy.
Official Statements
Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister of Japan
As economic activities in the digital realm increase, it is essential for Japan’s industry as a whole to work with global companies like Microsoft, which possess a digital infrastructure. We appreciate Microsoft’s announcement of its new investment in Japan. Microsoft has made significant contributions to the implementation of creative artificial intelligence in Japanese society through various initiatives, and we look forward to further enhancing our cooperation. We also look forward to deepening our collaboration in cybersecurity.
Brad Smith, President, and Vice-Chairman of Microsoft
Today’s announcement represents Microsoft’s largest investment in Japan since its establishment here in 1978. These investments in digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence skills, information security, and research in artificial intelligence are essential elements to build a strong artificial intelligence economy in Japan.
Japan’s Ministry of Economy and Trade, known as Kei Saito
With increasing digital investments globally, we welcome Microsoft’s announcement of a new investment in Japan and look forward to its future contributions to enhancing Japan’s digital industries, including artificial intelligence. The Ministry of Economy and Industry will continue to work with Microsoft, a global leader in the digital field, to foster innovation and discipline alike.
Takuya Hirai, Chairman of the Digital Society Promotion Board in the Policy Research Headquarters, Member of the House of Representatives:
Regarding Collaboration between the Public and Private Sectors.Adopting digital tools is essential to address the social challenges Japan faces with an aging population, seeking economic growth, and revitalizing regions. Microsoft’s investments significantly contribute to developing artificial intelligence capabilities in Japan, especially in infrastructure and talent development. I sincerely welcome this initiative and look forward to the leading role Microsoft can play in enhancing cooperation between Japan and the United States, as well as
Mickey Tsutsaka, CEO of Microsoft Japan:
We are honored to contribute to Japan and its future through our largest investment to date, in technology and knowledge. Collaborating with our partners, Microsoft Japan is committed to supporting the people and organizations in Japan in solving social issues and achieving more.
Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo Prefecture:
The Tokyo government entered into a partnership with Microsoft last year, starting to empower the workforce in Japan with digital skills. Today’s announcement from Microsoft, including programs to encourage women to embrace artificial intelligence and provide AI training to three million individuals, is a crucial step in leading Japan into the digital age. The Tokyo local government has led the use of generative AI to make our offices more efficient and improve the quality of services provided to our citizens. We will continue to embrace advanced technology and drive Japan’s digital transformation with unwavering dedication.
Shisa Mikami, Head of Hiroshima Office at the Unit for Training and Research:
Through collaboration between the unit and Microsoft, we will strive to democratize access to AI education, ensuring knowledge availability freely to all. Together, we pave the way for advanced AI professionals, foster innovation in startups, and promote responsible AI practices across industries and sectors. Through collective efforts, we harness the transformative power of AI to enhance the community.
Kevin Scott, Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President of AI at Microsoft:
We expect AI to have a significant impact in the coming years, potentially generating unprecedented social benefits worldwide. The steps we are taking today to empower Japanese citizens through AI technologies and programs, whether through training and job readiness, infrastructure improvements, or new research investments, will help accelerate this process of beneficial innovation. We are particularly excited to contribute to expanding Microsoft’s scientific research footprint globally in Japan, enabling us to enhance the ability to engage and benefit from local diversity in thinking and talent.
Tero Fuji, President of the University of Tokyo:
The University of Tokyo is committed to contributing to building a better society through research and education focused on modern technologies like AI. To maximize the benefits of such technologies and boost innovation while mitigating risks, it is essential to collaborate with partners who share our goals. With the establishment of the new Microsoft Research Asia lab in Tokyo, we enter an exciting new phase in our partnership, which has lasted for over two decades with Microsoft. We look forward to working together to propel our research community forward and lead in developing exceptional human resources as we continue our journey together.
Collaboration will work to leverage Microsoft’s services to protect thousands of Japanese institutions daily. The focus will be on areas such as information exchange, talent development, and technology solutions, where Microsoft will provide its expertise and advanced services in cloud and AI to address security threats.
