In February 2025, SoftBank Group and OpenAI announced a major strategic partnership by creating a joint venture called SB OpenAI Japan, equally owned by both companies. This venture aims to accelerate the integration and adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) services across Japanese businesses, enhancing operational efficiency and fostering innovation in various industries. It represents a significant collaboration between SoftBank, one of Japan’s largest multinational conglomerates, and OpenAI, a global AI research leader. SB OpenAI Japan intends to leverage their combined technological expertise and market presence to deliver cutting-edge AI-driven solutions tailored to Japan’s unique business environment. As part of this initiative, SoftBank introduced "Cristal, " an AI-powered service designed to assist with a broad range of corporate functions including strategic planning, marketing, and the complex analysis of legacy source codes—tasks that are often difficult for companies to manage effectively. Cristal aims to simplify these processes, enabling decision-makers to leverage AI for improved productivity and better outcomes. Initially, Cristal will be deployed within SoftBank’s own ecosystem, including key subsidiaries such as semiconductor firm Arm and mobile payment provider PayPay. This internal rollout will act as a testing ground to refine the technology before its broader expansion across the Japanese market. Financially, the joint venture plans to invest approximately $3 billion annually in expanding AI services like Cristal, reflecting strong confidence in AI’s transformative potential and a commitment to establishing a dominant presence within Japan’s AI sector.

Sam Altman, OpenAI's CEO, expressed enthusiasm, highlighting how combining OpenAI’s advanced AI capabilities with SoftBank’s deep market knowledge and infrastructure uniquely positions the partnership to revolutionize business operations in Japan. This collaboration arises at a time when AI is increasingly central to global economic growth and technological progress. By focusing specifically on Japan, SB OpenAI Japan seeks to address local business challenges and promote digital transformation in a country known for technological innovation and manufacturing strength. Additionally, the venture is expected to stimulate AI research and ecosystem growth within Japan, potentially fostering further partnerships with local companies, startups, and research institutions, thereby enriching the domestic AI landscape. The launch of SB OpenAI Japan and Cristal represents a strategic move to embed AI more deeply into Japanese enterprises. Supported by robust funding, pioneering technology, and a clear vision, the venture is poised to be a leading force in AI adoption and innovation in Japan. As AI evolves rapidly, partnerships like this are vital for turning technological advances into practical applications that benefit both businesses and society. The long-term success of SB OpenAI Japan could also influence AI integration across the broader Asia-Pacific region. Overall, the SoftBank-OpenAI partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing AI capabilities and deploying these technologies to foster economic growth and technological leadership. With SB OpenAI Japan and services like Cristal, the future of AI in Japan appears promising, marked by innovation, collaboration, and a strong focus on delivering tangible business value.