Update from April 15th, 2024:
OpenAI makes it official: In addition to opening its first office in Asia in Tokyo, OpenAI is also launching a GPT-4 model optimized for the Japanese language.
The company wants to work with the Japanese government, local companies, and research institutions to develop secure AI tools that meet Japan's needs, it says. OpenAI aims to contribute to the local AI ecosystem and explore how AI can help address societal challenges in Japan.
Tadao Nagasaki will serve as president of OpenAI Japan. As a first step, OpenAI is providing Japanese companies with a GPT-4 model that is up to three times faster than GPT-4 Turbo without optimization, improving Japanese translations and summaries. The model is also optimized to consume fewer tokens, making it more cost-effective.
Video: OpenAI
Companies such as Daikin, Rakuten and Toyota, as well as governments such as the City of Yokosuka, are already using ChatGPT to automate business processes and improve the efficiency of public services.
According to OpenAI, the City of Yokosuka has given nearly all of its employees access to ChatGPT. 80 percent have reported an increase in productivity. Yokosuka is also forming a network with 21 local governments, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the City of Kobe, to share best practices for using ChatGPT in government.
Article from April 1, 2024:
Expansion to Japan: OpenAI opens Tokyo office
OpenAI is opening its first Asian office in Tokyo this month to expand its AI services in Japanese.
The company behind ChatGPT plans to offer customized services to businesses there and participate in the development of a governance framework for AI technology, Asia Nikkei has learned.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo in April and hinted at opening an office in Japan.
The Tokyo government has also been using ChatGPT for pilot projects in the administration. Tokyo will be OpenAI's third international location after London and Dublin.
