OpenAI Opens First Asia Office in Tokyo, Targeting Business Growth
OpenAI, the Microsoft-backed artificial intelligence startup, has officially opened its first Asian office in Tokyo, Japan. This move signifies the company's ambition to expand its business globally and tap into the potential of the Japanese market.
In a video message, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed his hope for a long-term partnership with Japan, collaborating with government leaders, businesses, and research institutions. The company, which gained significant attention with the launch of its ChatGPT chatbot in late 2022, is actively seeking new revenue streams worldwide.
OpenAI's COO, Brad Lightcap, acknowledged the high demand for their services and expressed confidence in Japan's contribution to their future growth. The company has also established offices in London and Dublin, demonstrating its commitment to international expansion.
Japan, facing increasing competition from China and a growing need for digital transformation, sees AI as a crucial tool for its future. The country aims to leverage AI to address labor shortages and accelerate its digital shift.
OpenAI has developed a custom language model specifically for Japanese, and has appointed Tadao Nagasaki, former president of Amazon Web Services Japan, to lead its operations in the country. Despite Japan's perceived lag in technology, local companies like SoftBank and NTT are actively investing in large language models.
Microsoft's recent $2.9 billion investment in cloud and AI infrastructure in Japan further highlights the growing importance of AI in the region. This investment is part of a larger trend of US tech giants expanding their AI footprint globally.