SoftBank partners with several Japanese companies to establish an AI company, planning to promote the research and development of Japan-made AI foundational models.

According to a report by Kyodo News on April 12, SoftBank has joined several Japanese companies to establish a new company with the aim of advancing the development of AI basic models in Japan. The newly established company is called "Japanese AI Basic Model Development" company, with SoftBank, NEC, Honda, and Sony as the main shareholders, each holding over 10% of the shares. SoftBank and NEC are mainly responsible for AI basic model research and development, while Honda and Sony are primarily responsible for implementing the models. In addition, companies such as Nippon Steel and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group have also participated in the funding.