NEXT STEP DESK

Microsoft has announced a $10 billion investment in Japan from 2026 through 2029, focusing on artificial intelligence infrastructure, cybersecurity partnerships, and workforce development, according to an official blog post by the tech giant.

The company will collaborate with Sakura Internet and SoftBank to offer GPU-based AI computing services through Azure, with customer data remaining in Japan, states the official announcement. On cybersecurity, Microsoft said it will deepen threat intelligence sharing with Japan’s National Cybersecurity Office and strengthen collaboration with the National Police Agency through its Digital Crime Unit. The announcement says Microsoft will also launch a $1 million research grant programme and a fellowship to support Japanese researchers using AI.

For workforce training, Microsoft said it will commit to training one million engineers and developers by 2030 in partnership with Fujitsu, Hitachi, NEC, NTT Data, and SoftBank. It will provide AI-skilling opportunities to approximately 580,000 workers through the Japanese Electrical Electronic and Information Union. The company said it is also expanding its CyberSmart AI Programme through the Kyushu Semiconductor Human Resource Development Consortium.