Microsoft pumps $2.9 billion into Japan's AI and cloud infrastructure

Microsoft plans to invest $2.9 billion in Japan to boost the country's AI capabilities, research, and cybersecurity, the company said in a statement. The tech giant will double its hyperscale cloud computing and AI infrastructure, train over 3 million people in AI skills in the next 3 years, establish the first Microsoft Research Asia lab in Japan, and work more closely with the Japanese government on cybersecurity. Microsoft says the investments aim to speed up Japan's digital transformation and AI adoption. The company also wants to support research partnerships with Japanese universities and help policymakers improve cybersecurity for the government, businesses, and society. The news comes as OpenAI recently opened an office in Tokyo. Microsoft is also investing in AI infrastructure in several EU countries.