SoftBank and OpenAI Launch Joint Venture to Deliver AI Solutions in Japan
- ByStartupStory | November 5, 2025
SoftBank and OpenAI Launch Joint Venture to Deliver AI Solutions in Japan
SoftBank Group Corp. and OpenAI Group PBC have officially launched a joint venture named SB OAI Japan GK, aimed at providing cutting-edge AI enterprise solutions to transform corporate management and operational practices across Japanese industries. The partnership, announced on November 5, 2025, will market “Crystal intelligence,” a packaged AI offering integrating OpenAI’s latest technologies with tailored systems integration and localized support.
SB OAI Japan plans to roll out these solutions exclusively in Japan starting in 2026, with the goal of helping enterprises enhance productivity, operational efficiency, and decision-making by adopting advanced AI tools. The venture leverages OpenAI’s enterprise AI suite combined with SoftBank’s deep expertise in system implementation and industry knowledge.
SoftBank Corp. will be the first user of Crystal intelligence, applying the technology internally to validate its effectiveness and gather operational insights that will inform rollout strategies to corporate clients through SB OAI Japan. This approach ensures practical adoption and continuous improvement driven by real-world use cases.
The joint venture aligns with SoftBank’s broader transformation into an AI-native group, where AI tools like customized GPTs are already widely used within the organization. CEO Masayoshi Son highlighted the venture as ushering in a new era of innovation that will fundamentally change how businesses operate by enabling AI agents that autonomously understand and execute complex tasks.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman called the JV an important step towards accelerating advanced AI adoption among influential companies, starting with Japan’s unique market environment.
SB OAI Japan aims to deeply embed AI into enterprise management processes, offering a flagship AI-powered management solution designed to revolutionize how Japanese firms conduct business and drive growth in a competitive global landscape.
In summary, the SoftBank-OpenAI joint venture represents a strategic collaboration to bring sophisticated AI solutions tailored for Japanese enterprises, combining OpenAI’s technological leadership with SoftBank’s local implementation expertise, with broad implications for AI-driven business transformation in Japan.
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