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

Takaiichi and Trump Emphasize Importance of Japan-U.S. Alliance

Prime Minister Takaiichi’s first face-to-face meeting with U.S. President Trump drew high praise from officials at the Prime Minister’s Office, who described the atmosphere as friendly and open. According to government sources, the two leaders addressed each other by their first names, “Sanae” and “Donald,” a gesture that one senior official called “120 points,” underscoring the success of the meeting.

Trump Meets Japan's Emperor for First Time in Six Years

Emperor Naruhito met with former U.S. President Donald Trump for the first time in six years at the Imperial Palace on October 27th. The two exchanged greetings in English, with the Emperor saying, "I’m pleased to see you again," as he welcomed Trump to the Imperial residence around 6:30 p.m.

Woman Found Dead Near Rice Field in Akita, Bear Attack Suspected

An elderly woman was found dead in a roadside ditch in Akita City on October 27th, with police investigating the possibility that she was attacked by a bear. A local resident discovered the woman lying face down in a drainage channel around 11 a.m. and called emergency services.

Nikkei Closes Above 50,000 for the First Time Ever

The Nikkei Stock Average closed at 50,512 yen on October 27th, surpassing the 50,000 mark for the first time in history and setting a new all-time high. The benchmark index rose 1,212 yen from the previous trading day, driven by strong gains across sectors.

McDonald's Japan to End Paper Straws

McDonald's Japan announced it will phase out the use of paper straws and introduce new lids that allow customers to drink directly from the cup without a straw starting on November 19th.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

Nikkei Closes Above 50,000 for the First Time Ever

McDonald's Japan to End Paper Straws

McDonald's Japan announced it will phase out the use of paper straws and introduce new lids that allow customers to drink directly from the cup without a straw starting on November 19th.

'50-Year' Home Loans Surge as Construction Costs Rise

More homebuyers in Japan are turning to ultra-long housing loans, with some mortgages now stretching as long as 50 years as buyers try to keep monthly payments down in the face of sharply higher construction costs.

Kumamoto Expands Chip Production as TSMC Plans Second New Plant

A subsidiary of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), a leading chipmaker, signed a location agreement with Kikuyo Town in Kumamoto Prefecture on October 24th for the construction of its second factory in Japan.

Toyota Unveils Vision for Future Mobility

As anticipation builds for the Japan Mobility Show 2025, set to open at Tokyo Big Sight from October 30th to November 9th, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda has announced a sweeping reorganization of the automaker’s brand strategy. The company will redefine its group structure, including Daihatsu, into five distinct brands, with its flagship luxury car, the Century, becoming a fully independent marque.

Japan’s Auto Industry Faces Fallout from China-Netherlands Chip Clash

The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) issued a statement on October 23rd warning that tensions between China and the Netherlands over semiconductor firms are having a serious impact on global automobile production.

Japan's Consumer Prices Rise 2.9% in September

Japan's nationwide consumer price index excluding volatile fresh food rose 2.9% in September from a year earlier, the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry announced on October 23rd. The pace of increase slightly expanded from August’s 2.7%, maintaining close to a 3% growth rate amid continued price hikes in food and other daily necessities.

Uniqlo Opens Store for Kids

Uniqlo will open a new type of store on October 24th designed specifically for children, offering an interactive shopping experience that encourages them to choose their own clothes.

< 2 3 4 5 >