Washington, DC, April 9, 2024 (ET) – Today Microsoft announced that it will invest $2.9 billion over the next two years to increase its 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 collaboration with the Japanese government.
These investments aim to support Japan's key pillars to address deflation and revitalize the economy by expanding the infrastructure, skilled talent, and security needed to accelerate Japan's digital transformation and adoption of AI. The announcement coincided with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's state visit to the United States, where he was joined by Microsoft Vice Chairman and President Brad Smith and Microsoft Japan President Miki Tsusaka. ) was with.
Expanding Japan's AI and cloud infrastructure capabilities
The US$2.9 billion commitment is Microsoft's largest single investment in its 46-year history in Japan, where its first international office is located. This effectively doubles the company's existing financial efforts to expand its AI and cloud infrastructure across Japan.
This significant increase in digital capacity will allow Microsoft to offer more advanced computing resources in Japan, including the latest graphics processing units (GPUs), which are critical to speeding up AI operations. 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, a key technology for generative AI in Japan.
Building Japan's AI Capability by Training 3 Million People
Microsoft will also invest in training 3 million full- and part-time employees across Japan over the next three years, giving them the skills they need to build and leverage AI technologies. This investment will be delivered through programs focused on supporting organizations and society at large, with a focus on developers and students, including women in general.
Microsoft will expand its Code. We bring the Without Barriers program to Japan and provide dedicated training for women who want to join AI-enabled jobs. We will also work with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) to provide free and widely accessible content on AI, cybersecurity and digital technologies.
Microsoft will provide training courses and reference architectures for AI developers and technology companies in Japan to train advanced AI experts who can further advance AI integration. This is powered by GitHub Copilot, Microsoft's AI coding assistant. The company will also support startups with resources through the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub and support the implementation of AI-focused programs in vocational high schools.
To advance the societal benefits provided by AI through businesses of all sizes, governments, and public institutions, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Microsoft will continue to advance established programs to support the widespread adoption and application of AI tools. Moreover, Microsoft We assist customers in developing internal AI policies, including data management and security, to ensure responsible and safe use.
Japan's first Microsoft Research Asia research center opens in Tokyo
Microsoft Research Asia is expanding its research leadership in the Asia Pacific region with the opening of a laboratory in Tokyo.
The new lab will focus on areas such as embodied AI and robotics, social AI and well-being, and scientific discoveries aligned with Japan's socioeconomic priorities. The company's establishment reflects Microsoft's long-term commitment to Japan and its belief in Japan's potential to lead the world in innovation.
Microsoft Research is a division of Microsoft that pursues bold ideas and technological innovation in AI while building on a legacy of fundamental computer science advances. As a basic research institute in the Asia Pacific region, Microsoft Research Asia has played a key role in collaborating with Japanese academics for more than 20 years to promote interdisciplinary research and cultivate talent.
To foster improved research collaboration, Microsoft will provide a $10 million resource grant over the next five years to the Artificial Intelligence Research Partnership between the University of Tokyo and Keio University and Carnegie Mellon University.
Partnership to Strengthen Japan's Cybersecurity Defenses
Microsoft will work with the Japanese Cabinet Office to strengthen the cybersecurity resilience of government, businesses, and society as the Japanese government strengthens its cybersecurity approach. Updated National Security Strategy.
This collaboration will build on the services Microsoft provides to protect thousands of Japanese organizations every day. We will provide expertise and advanced cloud and AI-based security services as part of a joint effort to combat cybersecurity threats with Microsoft, 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 that have an array of digital infrastructures in place. We appreciate Microsoft's announcement of its new investment in Japan. Microsoft has contributed significantly to the social implementation of generative AI in Japan through various initiatives, and we look forward to further collaboration in the future. We also look forward to deepening our cooperation in the field of cybersecurity.”
Brad Smith, Vice Chairman and President, Microsoft
“Today’s announcement marks Microsoft’s most significant investment in Japan since it took root there in 1978. These investments in digital infrastructure, AI technology, cybersecurity and AI research will help Japan build a strong AI economy. It is an essential element.”
Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Ken Saito
“As digital investments increase globally, we welcome Microsoft's announcement of new investments in Japan and look forward to contributing to the promotion of Japan's digital industries, including AI, in the future. “The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will continue to work with Microsoft, a world leader in the digital field, to create both innovation and discipline,” he said.
Takuya Hirai, Chairman of the Digital Society Promotion Headquarters Policy Research Group, Member of the House of Representatives
“The adoption of digital tools is essential to addressing Japan’s social challenges of an aging population and pursuing economic growth and regional revitalization. Microsoft's investment significantly contributes to advancing Japan's AI capabilities, especially in the areas of infrastructure and talent development. “I wholeheartedly welcome this initiative and look forward to Microsoft playing a leadership role in fostering cooperation between Japan and the United States and the public and private sectors.”
Miki Tsusaka, President, Microsoft Japan
“We are honored to contribute to Japan and its future through 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 achieve more.”
Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike
“The Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Microsoft partnered last year to provide digital skills to the Japanese workforce. Today's announcement from Microsoft, which includes a program to encourage women's adoption of AI and provide AI skills to 3 million people, is an important step forward for Japan to lead the digital era. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has pioneered the use of generative AI to make offices more efficient and improve the quality of services provided to citizens. “We will continue to embrace cutting-edge technologies and lead Japan’s digital transformation with unwavering commitment.”
Chisa Mikami, Head of Hiroshima Office, UNITAR
“Through the collaboration between UNITAR and Microsoft, we will work to democratize access to AI education and make knowledge freely available to everyone. Together, we pave the way for advanced AI professionals, foster innovation in startups, and encourage responsible AI practices across industries and sectors. Through our collective efforts, we harness the transformative power of AI to improve society.”
Kevin Scott, Chief Technology Officer and Vice President of AI, Microsoft
“The impact that AI will create over the next few years has the potential to create unprecedented societal benefits around the world. Here are the steps we are taking today to empower Japanese citizens through AI technology. Program – Whether improving vocational training and skills, infrastructure capacity, or new research; INVEST—I WILL Collectively, it helps accelerate this beneficial innovation process. “We are particularly pleased to expand Microsoft Research’s global footprint further into Japan, expanding our capacity for world-class research activities that can contribute to and benefit from the diversity of local thinking and talent.”
Teruo Fujii, President of the University of Tokyo
“The University of Tokyo is doing its best to contribute to realizing a better society through research and education focused on cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence. To foster innovation while maximizing the benefits of these technologies and minimizing their risks, it is essential to work with partners who share your goals. The opening of Microsoft Research Asia's new lab in Tokyo marks an exciting new phase in our partnership with Microsoft that has spanned more than 20 years. We look forward to working together to further advance our research community and drive the development of outstanding human resources.”