SoftBank Launches 65 Billion Yen AI Data Center Project in Hokkaido

SAPPORO, Apr 17 (News On Japan) - A groundbreaking ceremony was held on April 15th in Tomakomai, Hokkaido, for one of Japan's largest data centers, which is scheduled for completion in fiscal 2026.

Telecom giant SoftBank and its subsidiary IDC Frontier have begun construction of the "Hokkaido Tomakomai AI Data Center."

The facility is being built to handle the rapid increase in data processing and electricity consumption driven by the growing use of AI, with a total investment of 65 billion yen.

Currently, about 80% of data centers in Japan are concentrated in urban areas, prompting a push to develop such infrastructure in regional locations to mitigate risks during natural disasters.

"We're building an AI data center of this scale in Tomakomai, and we want this to become the core of an industrial cluster," said SoftBank President Junichi Miyagawa.

The site covers 700,000 square meters, with a target power consumption capacity of 300 megawatts, one of the largest in the country. The project is expected to be completed in fiscal 2026.

Source: 北海道ニュースUHB

Typhoon No. 22 (Halong) Path Uncertain, Could Loop Toward Japan

As of 3 a.m. on October 6th, Typhoon No. 22 (Halong) was located over the sea south of the Ogasawara Islands, almost stationary, with a central pressure of 994 hPa and maximum winds near the center reaching 23 meters per second. The typhoon is forecast to gradually move north while intensifying, reaching peak strength between the 8th and 9th. However, the storm’s path remains uncertain, and weather authorities are urging the public to stay alert for new updates.

Tokyu Line Trains Collide and Derail in Kawasaki, Services Suspended

A train collision on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line in Kawasaki City on the night of October 5th was caused by an out-of-service train driven by a trainee driver, according to Tokyu Corporation. Some sections of the line remain suspended, affecting commuters during the morning rush.

Spanish Tourist Injured in Bear Attack at World Heritage Shirakawa-go

A Spanish tourist was attacked by a bear while visiting Shirakawa-go, the UNESCO World Heritage village in Gifu Prefecture known for its traditional thatched-roof houses, on October 5th. The incident adds to a growing number of bear encounters reported across Japan in recent weeks.

Takaichi Wins Leadership Race, Declares All Must Work Like Horses

Sanae Takaichi, elected as the Liberal Democratic Party’s new president on October 4th, declared on stage, “I ask everybody to work like a horse,” after defeating agriculture minister Shinjiro Koizumi in a runoff to become the party’s first female leader.

Honey Trap Crimes Becoming More Malicious

A string of so-called “honey trap” cases is drawing attention across Japan as schemes once limited to extortion have become increasingly violent, involving physical assaults and life-threatening intimidation.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

Tokyo Stocks Soar on Takaichi Victory

The Nikkei Stock Average surged by more than 1,900 yen at one point on the Tokyo market on October 7th, setting a new intraday record high. It was the first time in history the index has climbed into the 47,000 range, surpassing the symbolic 46,000 mark.

Japan's Elderly Forced to Pay 20% of Medical Costs from October

From October, a new policy has come into effect requiring some people aged 75 and over to pay 20% of their medical costs at the counter, doubling the previous burden for many elderly patients. For those living on pensions, the increased costs are squeezing already tight household budgets and fueling concern about how to manage daily life.

Tokiwair to Join Aircraft Manufacturing, Aiming for First Flight Within Five Years

Tokiwair, a Niigata-based airline, is planning to produce lightweight sport aircraft (LSA), a category of small propeller planes, in collaboration with factories in the Tsubame-Sanjo area of Niigata Prefecture.

Driver Shortage Hits Tokyo Buses

The Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation has reduced 206 Toei bus services in its October timetable revision, underscoring how the nationwide shortage of drivers is now taking a serious toll on the capital’s public transport.

Shows Cautious View on Rate Hikes, Citing Tariff Impact

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda indicated that the pace of Japan’s economic growth is expected to temporarily slow due to the effects of tariffs, while predicting that growth will pick up again as overseas economies recover. Speaking in Osaka on October 4th at a meeting with the Kansai business community, Ueda stressed that monetary policy would be guided by overall economic and price conditions.

Sixty Percent of Hospitals in Japan Operating in the Red

Around 60 percent of hospitals across Japan are operating in the red, creating a critical situation where closures and bankruptcies are no longer a distant threat. Behind the figures lies a deepening financial crisis that is raising questions about whether patients can continue to rely on stable access to medical care.

Asahi Cyberattack Leaves Stores Without Beer

A system failure caused by a cyberattack at beverage giant Asahi Group shows no sign of resolution, disrupting deliveries and leaving some supermarket shelves empty.

Forever 21 to Exit Japan for Third Time

Forever 21, the American fast fashion brand that once led a global boom in affordable clothing, has decided to withdraw from Japan for the third time after its US parent company filed for bankruptcy and supply from the United States came to a halt.

< 2 3 4 5 >