SoftBank Announces Largest-Ever AI Data Center Investment in America

Mar 22, 2026 | News On Japan

OHIO, Mar 22, 2026 (News On Japan) - SoftBank Group announced on March 20th a plan to build a new data center in the United States dedicated to artificial intelligence, with total investment including external funding expected to reach 500 billion dollars, or approximately 80 trillion yen, making it one of the largest projects of its kind in the country.

Chairman and CEO Masayoshi Son said, "We will create an investment of 500 billion dollars (approximately 80 trillion yen) concentrated in a single location," as he revealed the plan in Ohio in the U.S. Midwest.

As part of the first phase of investments and financing into the United States based on the Japan-U.S. tariff agreement, SoftBank is already planning to construct a gas-fired power plant in Ohio, with the new data center to be built alongside it on the same site.

The company aims to realize the massive project by incorporating funds from external partners and has established a consortium of 21 Japanese and American companies, including Panasonic Holdings, to participate in the initiative.

Son noted that the project aligns with the positive stance of President Donald Trump, who has expressed support for active business expansion, saying, "There is a forward-looking attitude from President Trump that welcomes aggressive business growth, which matches our vision."

The groundbreaking ceremony for the power plant held on March 20th was attended by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and other officials, as SoftBank continues to strengthen its ties with the Trump administration.

Source: テレ東BIZ

Typhoon No. 15 Expected to Make Landfall in Eastern Japan on August 11

Typhoon No. 15 (Chan-hom) is increasingly likely to make landfall between Fukushima and Ibaraki prefectures on the Pacific coast of eastern Japan from the evening through the night of August 11, after moving northwest over waters east of Japan at about 15 kilometers per hour as of 9 a.m. on August 10.

Raccoon Damage Surges Across Japan

Raccoons are increasingly invading homes across Japan, damaging roofs and wiring, contaminating buildings with large amounts of urine and feces, and raising concerns over agriculture, native wildlife and the spread of disease as their population continues to expand.

Nagasaki Marks 81st Anniversary With Call to Uphold Non-Nuclear Principles

Nagasaki marked the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing on August 9 with a memorial ceremony near the hypocenter, where Mayor Shiro Suzuki declared nuclear weapons an "absolute evil" and called on the Japanese government to uphold its Three Non-Nuclear Principles.

Flights Still Disrupted After Typhoon No. 13 Hits Okinawa

Transport services were gradually returning to normal on August 9 after Typhoon No. 13 caused widespread cancellations and shutdowns across Okinawa, although air travel remained disrupted as airlines worked to restore schedules and accommodate passengers stranded during the opening days of Japan's busy Obon holiday period.

Typhoon No. 13 Moves West but Severe Weather Lingers in Okinawa

Typhoon No. 13 was moving slowly west on the night of August 8 and was expected to approach the Chinese mainland by the night of August 9, but Okinawa, Amami and parts of southern Kyushu remained at risk from strong winds, intermittent heavy rain and dangerous seas even as the storm's center moved farther away.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Web3 NEWS

Here's A Clear Breakdown Of How Altcoins Stack Up Against Stablecoins

It’s common in the crypto market for investors to focus on Bitcoin and ignore the presence of other assets, but we know better. The market offers access to countless coins and tokens, and some of the most interesting ones are altcoins and stablecoins that play a significant role in the sector.

Japan Defense White Paper Highlights AI and Drone Warfare

Japan's 2026 defense white paper has added a section on new forms of warfare involving artificial intelligence and drones, drawing lessons from Russia's invasion of Ukraine while describing China's military activities as the greatest strategic challenge Japan has ever faced.

Man Arrested for Allegedly Posting AI-Generated Obscene Images

Tokyo police have arrested an office worker on suspicion of using generative artificial intelligence to turn photographs of junior high school girls and others into obscene images and posting them on social media.

What Is Happening With AI and Data Center Investment Now?

Investment by major US technology companies in artificial intelligence and data centers continues to support strong earnings expectations for semiconductor suppliers, but shrinking free cash flow and Oracle's exceptionally rapid expansion are raising questions about whether the spending boom can be sustained.