Microsoft's $10 Billion AI Push in Japan Boosts Sakura Internet Shares by 20% Shares of Sakura Internet surged as much as 20.2% on Friday after Microsoft announced a major AI infrastructure initiative in Japan, which includes a $10 billion investment over the next four years. The partnership involves collaboration with SoftBank Corp. and Sakura Internet to develop AI computing resources, including graphics processing units (GPUs) located within Japan. The announcement came during a visit to Tokyo by Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith, who met with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Microsoft’s investment plan spans from 2026 to 2029 and focuses on building AI infrastructure, enhancing cybersecurity, and training 1 million engineers and developers by 2030. The company emphasized that the initiative aims to meet growing demand for cloud and AI services in Japan, where approximately 20% of working-age individuals use generative AI tools—higher than the global average of about 16.6%. According to Microsoft’s AI Diffusion Report, this trend underscores the need for localized AI development and data processing capabilities. Sakura Internet, a Japanese cloud services provider with domestic data centers, and SoftBank will jointly offer AI computing resources to support advanced systems such as domestic large language models. Microsoft stated that the partnership will enable data to be processed within Japan, aligning with the country’s focus on data sovereignty and technological self-reliance. Additionally, SoftBank and Microsoft Japan are exploring a joint solution that would allow Microsoft Azure customers to access SoftBank’s AI computing platform, expanding the scope of their collaboration. The partnership also extends to five other major Japanese IT companies, including NTT Data Corp.#microsoft #prime_minister_sanae_takaichi #brad_smith #sakura_internet #softbank_corp
Japan Marks 15 Years Since Tsunami Disaster As Prime Minister Pushes More Nuclear Energy Use Japan commemorated the 15th anniversary of the 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster on its northeastern coast, with the government emphasizing its commitment to expanding nuclear energy use. The magnitude 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami on March 11, 2011, caused widespread devastation, resulting in over 22,000 deaths and displacing nearly half a million people. The disaster also triggered a catastrophic failure at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, leading to meltdowns in three reactors and ongoing challenges in managing radioactive contamination. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi addressed the anniversary by pledging to accelerate recovery efforts in the affected regions and promote nuclear power as a reliable energy source. This marks a significant shift from Japan’s previous decade-long nuclear phase-out plan, which was reversed in 2022. Takaichi emphasized the need to reinforce lessons learned from the disaster, including the importance of nuclear energy in ensuring energy security. The Fukushima Daiichi plant, which lost power and cooling systems during the disaster, continues to face critical challenges. At least 880 tons of melted fuel debris remain within the damaged reactors, though detailed information about their condition is limited due to high radiation levels. Full-scale removal of the debris is expected to be delayed until 2037 or later. Efforts to address the crisis have included the gradual removal of spent fuel from the plant’s cooling pools, with work set to begin around 2027-2028. Recovery efforts in the region have made progress, with key infrastructure rebuilt.#japan #prime_minister_sanae_takaichi #fukushima_daiichi #tsunami_2011 #fukushima_prefecture
As Fukushima memories fade, Japan embraces a nuclear-powered future Takuma Hashimoto, now 18, recalls the day a massive earthquake and tsunami struck his hometown in 2011, triggering nuclear meltdowns at the Fukushima Daiichi plant. At three years old, he and his family were trapped, unable to flee due to a lack of gas for their car. Today, Hashimoto, an engineering student in Iwaki, wants to become part of Japan’s next generation of nuclear talent. “I don’t think nuclear power should be treated as something that’s automatically dangerous,” he said, reflecting on the shift in public perception. His school, which organizes visits to nuclear plants, receives government funding to train workers in nuclear power, regulation, and decommissioning. Japan, once a global leader in nuclear energy, had nearly abandoned the technology after the 2011 disaster. The Fukushima crisis led to a dramatic shift in public opinion, with all reactors ordered to shut down for safety inspections. In 2012, the government decided to phase out nuclear energy, a policy reversed two years later. However, reactor restarts have been slow, with only 15 of 33 operable reactors back online as of 2026. The country’s reliance on costly imported fossil fuels, coupled with energy shortages and rising demand from AI data centers, has accelerated the push to revive nuclear power. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, a staunch pro-nuclear leader, is pushing to accelerate reactor restarts and advance new technologies. The recent restart of one of the seven reactors at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant, the world’s largest nuclear facility, marked a milestone. Public support for nuclear restarts has grown steadily, with 51% of people now in favor, up from 28% in 2013. Young people aged 18 to 29 show the highest support, at 66%.#prime_minister_sanae_takaichi #fukushima_daiichi #takuma_hashimoto #iwaki #kashiwazaki_kariwa
Japan announces release of strategic oil reserves as Middle East tensions push prices up Japan will release part of its emergency oil reserves to stabilize energy supplies amid rising tensions in the Middle East, according to Reuters. The move includes the release of 15 days’ worth of oil held by the private sector and one month’s worth of state oil reserves, as authorities seek to ease supply concerns and calm global energy markets. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated, “Japan plans to release 15 days worth of private-sector oil reserves and one month's worth of state oil reserves.” The decision comes as oil prices surge and supply risks grow due to the expanding conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which has raised fears of shipping disruptions in key energy routes. France’s minister also noted that countries are releasing oil reserves as part of a “coordinated” effort. The International Energy Agency (IEA) had urged major economies to consider coordinated action earlier this week, calling for the release of emergency stockpiles to support global supply. Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama confirmed, “IEA called for each country to do a coordinated release of oil reserves.” The G7 nations, including Japan, have agreed to closely monitor energy market developments and take necessary measures to support global supply, including the release of oil reserves. The meeting involved finance ministers from G7 countries, as well as representatives from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. G7 energy ministers are expected to meet soon to discuss further steps. Japan is particularly vulnerable to disruptions in Middle Eastern supplies, as it relies on the region for about 95% of its oil imports.#japan #strait_of_hormuz #prime_minister_sanae_takaichi #g7 #international_energy_agency
Japan Stocks Could Keep Rising Amid Government Plans and Foreign Interest Japan's stock market has taken a brief pause due to the ongoing Iran war and rising oil prices, but analysts believe the market is positioned for further gains. The new government's growth initiatives, corporate reforms, and renewed interest from foreign investors are seen as key factors that could support the market. However, valuations are not as low as in previous years, which presents a cautionary note for investors. Since 2023, investors have been optimistic about Japan's stock market, driven by the belief that the country's long-slow economy was improving, earnings growth was reasonable, valuations were attractive, and dividends and stock buybacks were increasing. Over the past five years, the Tokyo Stock Price Index, or TOPIX, has risen 99% in yen terms, while the Nikkei 225 has gained 95%. The Morningstar Japan Index has also seen significant growth, rising 86% in yen terms and 42% in USD terms. Despite the overall positive trend, the market has experienced fluctuations. In August 2024, shares fell as the Bank of Japan raised interest rates, and the yen's rise hurt the carry trade, which involves borrowing in the cheap yen to fund more expensive investments elsewhere. The market then saw a recovery, but continued to fluctuate due to concerns about tariffs, monetary tightening, and elections. The market surged again in February after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's Liberal Democratic Party secured a supermajority in the House of Representatives. The Iran war poses a challenge for Japan, as liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies are being disrupted. LNG accounts for 36% of Japan's electricity production, and the country relies heavily on imported fossil fuels. Since February 27, the TOPIX has fallen 4.2%, and the Nikkei 225 has dropped 4.#japan #toxico #nikkei_225 #toypix #prime_minister_sanae_takaichi
