News On Japan

Sakana AI Raises Billions to Tackle Japan’s Challenges

TOKYO, Sep 18 (News On Japan) - Sakana AI, an artificial intelligence (AI) company that recently secured about Y30 billion from global semiconductor firms and Japan’s megabank groups, expressed its ambitions to tackle Japan's challenges in an interview with ANN.

Sakana AI's Chief Operating Officer Ren Ito said, "We have received investment from MUFG as our lead investor, and we aim to build major projects with Japanese companies and financial institutions like MUFG."

MUFG Executive Managing Director Tadaji Yamamoto added, "While advancing our operations, we hope to take it a step further and contribute to solving Japan's challenges. That, in the end, is the best outcome we can achieve."

Sakana AI, a Japanese startup founded just last year, has already exceeded a valuation of $1 billion. In addition to securing funding from U.S. semiconductor giant Nvidia, on the 17th of this month, the company signed investment deals with 10 Japanese companies, including Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group.

The total funding raised, amounting to approximately Y30 billion, has garnered significant attention. COO Ito also expressed the company’s intention to work with Japanese companies to address domestic issues moving forward.

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, which is among the investors, emphasized the high compatibility between AI and banking operations, where large amounts of data are processed. They plan to utilize Sakana AI's technology in the future.

Source: ANN

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

Ginzan Hot Springs in Yamagata, known for its Taisho-era charm, is now at peak season for autumn foliage. While this secluded onsen town is a well-known destination in the Tohoku region, an influx of foreign tourists has led local officials to implement restrictions on day visitors starting next month.

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has announced plans to allow the sale of over-the-counter drugs at convenience stores without on-site pharmacists.

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's advisory panel has outlined a proposal for amending the law to prohibit working more than 14 consecutive days. Under the current system, workers can technically work up to 48 days in a row through a system known as 'four-day-off-per-four-weeks,' while labor agreements also allow for holiday work, meaning there are no effective restrictions on consecutive workdays.

Manhole covers featuring characters from Riyoko Ikeda’s popular manga The Rose of Versailles were unveiled on November 11th at three locations within Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture.

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) has announced that the new 'Donkey Kong Country' area will open on December 11th, expanding the 'Super Nintendo World' by 1.7 times.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Web3 NEWS

At NVIDIA AI Summit Japan 2024, we pay homage to our 30-year friendship with Japan—one that saved our company, helped us ignite the era of accelerated computing for science, and continues with the next wave of AI. (NVIDIA)

AIに架空の料理は厳しかったらしい (きびまら)

In recent years, Formula 1 has seen increasingly strict rules and regulations governing driver conduct, especially regarding penalties for actions on the track. In response, Yuki Tsunoda voiced his criticism, arguing, "F1 drivers are being forced to drive like AI."

Artificial intelligence (AI) is stepping into the spotlight as a powerful catalyst for enhancing relationships and friendships.

In Japan, the real money gaming industry has grown steadily in recent years.

The Japanese yen is one of the most traded currencies in the world and is a major player in forex.

In today's digital age, brand identity has transcended traditional boundaries, evolving from flat designs to dynamic three-dimensional representations. 3D logo generators are at the forefront of this transformation, offering businesses of all sizes the tools to create logos that pop off the screen and engage consumers like never before.

If you are planning a trip to Japan, it is probably a good idea to take a look at some of the best cashless payment options.