Japan’s AI Revolution with NVIDIA

In a groundbreaking partnership, Japan’s top cloud providers have joined forces with NVIDIA to build a cutting-edge AI infrastructure. This ambitious initiative, backed by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), aims to propel key industries like robotics, automotive, healthcare, and telecommunications into the future. By leveraging advanced technologies, Japan seeks to harness the power of AI to drive economic growth and transformation.

Leading Partners and Infrastructure

This transformative collaboration brings together major players such as SoftBank Corp., GMO Internet Group, Highreso, KDDI, Rutilea, and SAKURA internet. By integrating NVIDIA’s state-of-the-art technologies in computing, networking, and software, these companies are poised to establish a comprehensive AI ecosystem.

• SoftBank Corp. is pioneering efforts with NVIDIA’s Blackwell platforms to create some of Japan’s most powerful AI supercomputers. This includes launching NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD™ systems, which will significantly elevate AI computing power.
• GMO Internet Group is introducing the GMO GPU Cloud, the first Japanese cloud service featuring NVIDIA’s H200 Tensor Core GPUs, Spectrum-X™ networks, and BlueField™-3 DPUs. Set to debut this month, this service will offer businesses cloud-based AI computing options.
• Highreso is launching Highreso Kagawa, an AI data center powered by NVIDIA’s accelerated computing, slated to start next month. It is part of their GPUSOROBAN AI Supercomputer Cloud service, offering high-performance resources with an additional data center planned for next summer.
• KDDI is creating AI computing structures using NVIDIA HGX™ systems, focusing on generative AI and large language models (LLMs) development.
• Rutilea, as an NVIDIA Inception member, is expanding its AI cloud center, featuring NVIDIA Hopper™ GPUs for robust LLM development across sectors like animation and retail.
• SAKURA internet exponentially boosts its GPU capacity, supporting a broad spectrum of AI applications.

Government Support and National Impact

With robust financial backing, Japan’s government has allocated around $740 million to support these innovative enhancements in AI infrastructure. This investment aligns with broader goals to enhance digital infrastructure and develop cutting-edge AI technologies. Under the Economic Security Promotion Act, the aim is to ensure a stable, local cloud service supply, minimizing AI development time and cost. This empowers startups, enterprises, and researchers, bolstering Japan’s economy and technological capabilities.

Transforming Industries

The integration of advanced AI infrastructure promises profound changes across several vital industries:

• Robotics: New AI capabilities will lead to smarter robotic systems, enhancing manufacturing efficiency and precision.
• Automotive: AI advancements will support autonomous vehicle innovation, refining sensor data processing for safer transportation.
• Healthcare: Enhanced AI will aid in developing precise diagnostic tools and personalized medicine, improving healthcare service efficiency.
• Telecommunications: AI integration will elevate network management and support the evolution of customer service through AI chatbots and next-gen network development.

Additional Collaborations and Initiatives

Beyond cloud providers, additional endeavors fortify Japan’s AI landscape:

• Kyndryl’s AI Private Cloud: In collaboration with Dell Technologies and NVIDIA, Kyndryl has established an exclusive AI private cloud in Japan, promoting secure AI innovation across multiple sectors.
• AIST’s ABCI 3.0 Supercomputer: The AIST is enhancing AI research with a supercomputer incorporating NVIDIA’s H200 Tensor Core GPUs, marking a significant boost in Japan’s AI development capabilities.

This strategic alliance between Japan’s cloud leaders and NVIDIA, strengthened by government support, signifies a major leap toward AI leadership. By transforming pivotal industries, the initiative promises to drive innovation, enhance skills, and elevate Japan’s global competitiveness in technology. The country’s committed investment in AI infrastructure positions it to achieve substantial gains in industrial efficiency and economic prosperity.