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SoftBank Announces Largest-Ever AI Data Center Investment in America

OHIO, Mar 22 (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

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