Eastern Time, Washington, DC, April 9, 2024 – Today, Microsoft announced that it will invest US$2.9 billion over the next two years to strengthen hyperscale cloud computing and AI infrastructure in Japan. We will also expand our digital skills program with the goal of providing AI skills to more than 3 million people over the next three years, open the first Microsoft Research Asia Lab in Japan, and deepen our cybersecurity cooperation with the Japanese government. .
These investments will support Japan's key pillars of combating deflation and stimulating the economy by expanding the infrastructure, skilled talent and security needed to accelerate Japan's digital transformation and AI adoption. The purpose is to This announcement was made at the same time as Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's state visit to the United States, and Microsoft Vice Chairman and President Brad Smith and Microsoft Japan President Miki Tsusaka were also present.
Expanding Japan’s AI and Cloud Infrastructure Capabilities
This US$2.9 billion commitment is the single largest investment in Microsoft's 46-year history in Japan, which is also the location of Microsoft's first international office. This effectively doubles his company's existing financial commitment to expand its AI and cloud infrastructure across Japan.
This significant increase in digital capabilities will enable Microsoft to offer more advanced computing resources in Japan, including the latest graphics processing units (GPUs), which are essential for accelerating AI workloads. It is built with support from Microsoft. Generative AI Accelerator Challenge (GENIAC)is a program led by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to help innovative startups and established companies develop foundational models as core technologies for generative AI in Japan.
Build Japan's AI capabilities by training 3 million people
Microsoft will also invest in training 3 million full-time and part-time employees across Japan over the next three years to provide them with the skills they need to build and use AI technology. This investment will be delivered through programs focused on supporting organizations and society at large, including ordinary women, developers and students.
Microsoft extends the code. Without Barriers is expanding its program to Japan, offering specialized training to women who want to join AI-powered jobs. It will also offer free and widely accessible content on AI, cybersecurity and digital skills in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).
Microsoft will develop advanced AI experts who can drive further AI integration and provide courses and reference architectures for AI developers and technology companies in Japan. These are powered by his GitHub Copilot, Microsoft's AI coding assistant. The company will also support startups with resources through the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub to help introduce AI-focused programs in vocational high schools.
Microsoft will continue its established program to support widespread adoption and application of AI tools to advance the social benefits that AI provides through businesses of all sizes, governments, and public bodies, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. . Additionally, Microsoft provides We support our customers in developing internal AI policies, including data management and security to ensure responsible and safe use.
Japan's first Microsoft Research Asia Lab opens in Tokyo
Microsoft Research Asia expands its research leadership in the Asia-Pacific region with the opening of a lab in Tokyo.
The new lab will have a unique focus on areas such as embodied AI and robotics, social AI and welfare, and scientific discovery in line with Japan's socio-economic priorities. This establishment reflects Microsoft's long-term commitment to Japan and our belief that the country has the potential to lead the world in innovation.
Microsoft Research is a division of Microsoft that pursues bold ideas and technological breakthroughs in AI, building on a legacy of advances in fundamental computer science. As the basic research arm of the Asia-Pacific region, Microsoft Research Asia has been collaborating with the Japanese academic community for more than 20 years, contributing to the advancement of interdisciplinary research and talent development.
To foster stronger research collaborations, Microsoft will provide resource grants of US$10 million over the next five years to both the University of Tokyo and the partnership on artificial intelligence research between Keio University and Carnegie Mellon University.
Partnership to strengthen Japan's cybersecurity defenses
Microsoft will work with Japan's Cabinet Secretariat to strengthen the cybersecurity resilience of government, business, and society as Japan strengthens its approach to cybersecurity under government policy. Updated national security strategy.
This collaboration builds on the services Microsoft provides to protect thousands of Japanese organizations every day. Microsoft and its expertise and advanced cloud and AI-driven security services are part of a joint effort to address cybersecurity threats, with a focus on areas such as information sharing, talent development, and technology solutions.
leadership statement
Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister of Japan
“As economic activity in the digital space increases, it is important for the entire Japanese industry to collaborate with global companies like Microsoft with digital infrastructure. We appreciate Microsoft's announcement of new investments in Japan. Microsoft has made a significant contribution to the social implementation of generative AI in Japan through various initiatives, and we look forward to further collaboration in the future.We also hope to deepen our cooperation in the field of cybersecurity. I am thinking of continuing to do so.”
Brad Smith, Vice Chairman and President, Microsoft
“Today’s announcement represents Microsoft’s most significant investment in Japan since we set down roots here in 1978. These investments in digital infrastructure, AI skills, cybersecurity, and AI research will , is an essential element for Japan to build a robust AI economy.”
Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Ken Saito
“As digital investments increase around the world, we welcome Microsoft's announcement of new investments in Japan and look forward to its future contributions to promoting Japan's digital industry, including AI.” We look forward to working with Microsoft, a world leader in digital, to create both innovation and discipline.”
Takuya Hirai Member of the House of Representatives Director of Digital Society Promotion Headquarters, Policy Research Council
“The adoption of digital tools is essential to address Japan’s social challenges of aging and pursue economic growth and regional revitalization. “I wholeheartedly welcome this initiative and look forward to Microsoft's leadership in fostering cooperation between Japan and the United States and between the public and private sectors.”
Miki Tsusaka, President and Representative Director, Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd.
“We are honored to contribute to Japan and its future with our largest investment, technology and knowledge to date. Microsoft Japan is committed to working with our partners to help Japanese people and organizations solve social problems and do more. We are committed to helping them achieve their goals.”
Yuriko Koike Governor of Tokyo
“The Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Microsoft partnered last year to equip Japan's workforce with digital skills. Today's announcement by Microsoft includes an initiative to encourage women in AI and provide AI skills to 3 million people. The program is an important step for Japan to lead in the era of digitalization. We have pioneered the use of this technology, and we will continue to embrace cutting-edge technology and lead Japan's digital transformation with unwavering dedication.”
UNITAR Hiroshima Office Director Chisa Mikami
“Through UNITAR and Microsoft, we strive to democratize access to AI education and make knowledge freely available to everyone. Together, we will build on the path to advanced AI expertise. “Together, we will harness the transformative power of AI to improve society.”
Kevin Scott, Microsoft Chief Technology Officer and Vice President of AI
“The impact that AI is poised to generate in the coming years has the potential to generate unprecedented social benefits for the entire world. Program—or not Vocational training and skills improvement, infrastructure capacity development, or new research Investment—will Overall, it helps accelerate the process of beneficial innovation. We are particularly excited to further expand Microsoft Research's global footprint into Japan, allowing our world-class research efforts to contribute to and benefit from the region's diversity of thought and talent. . ”
Teruo Fujii President, University of Tokyo
“The University of Tokyo aims to contribute to the realization of a better society through research and education centered on cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence. We aim to maximize the benefits of these technologies and minimize the risks. Collaborating with like-minded partners is essential to accelerating innovation while reducing innovation. With the opening of Microsoft Research Asia's new lab in Tokyo, our more than 20-year partnership with Microsoft has reached an exciting new milestone. We look forward to working together to further develop our research community and lead the development of top talent as we continue our journey together.”
