Japan has set its sights on becoming a global leader in artificial intelligence, harnessing cutting-edge technology to address its economic and social challenges. At the NVIDIA AI Summit Japan, industry experts highlighted Japan’s drive to develop advanced AI language models and digital infrastructure, with a key focus on cultural and linguistic nuances vital for sectors like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.
In this bold AI endeavour, Japan is not going it alone. Major consulting firms, including Accenture, Deloitte, EY Japan, FPT, Kyndryl, and TCS Japan, are partnering with NVIDIA to establish AI innovation hubs across the country. These centres utilise NVIDIA’s AI platforms to create solutions tailored for Japanese industries, enhancing productivity and helping integrate AI into the fabric of Japan’s digital workforce.
A standout technology in this initiative is NVIDIA’s Omniverse platform, which enables Japanese companies to build digital twins—virtual replicas of real-world assets. For industries like manufacturing and robotics, digital twins provide a risk-free environment to test and refine AI systems before real-world application. This simulation capability allows companies to make complex adjustments without disrupting live operations, marking a significant step forward for sectors dependent on precision and efficiency.
Japan’s need for AI-driven solutions is underscored by its demographic trends. With an ageing population and shrinking workforce, AI presents an opportunity to mitigate labour shortages through robotics and automation. Japan’s government has laid out an ambitious vision to become “the world’s most AI-friendly country,” recognising AI’s critical role in securing the nation’s future.
This commitment is reflected in Japan’s AI market, now valued at $5.9 billion—a remarkable 31.2% growth over the past year, as reported by IDC. New AI-focused consulting centres in Tokyo and Kansai are opening doors for Japanese businesses to explore NVIDIA’s latest technologies, positioning AI as a central pillar of Japan’s economic strategy.
Top Japanese cloud providers, including SoftBank, GMO Internet Group, KDDI, Highreso, Rutilea, and SAKURA Internet, are working with NVIDIA to build a robust AI infrastructure. Supported by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, these collaborations are setting up AI data centres across Japan, accelerating advancements in robotics, automotive, healthcare, and telecommunications.
A notable project within this partnership is Japan’s most powerful AI supercomputer, a collaborative effort between NVIDIA and SoftBank, powered by NVIDIA’s Blackwell platform. SoftBank has also piloted the world’s first AI and 5G hybrid telecom network using NVIDIA’s AI Aerial platform, setting a new global standard in telecom innovation. Through these developments, Japan is establishing itself as a front-runner in the AI-driven industrial revolution, aiming to inspire similar initiatives worldwide.
