SoftBank buys $676M old Sharp plant for its OpenAI collab in Japan

Group 1 - SoftBank is investing $676 million to acquire the Sharp Sakai Plant in Osaka to convert it into an AI data center, which is essential for its AI ambitions in Japan [1][2] - The acquisition includes both land and buildings, marking a significant step for SoftBank as data centers are crucial for training AI models and running services [2] - The data center will support the joint venture SB OpenAI Japan, which aims to leverage clients' data to develop customized AI agents [4][5] Group 2 - SoftBank's collaboration with OpenAI includes plans to commercialize AI models in Japan, with a focus on deploying "Cristal Intelligence" [3][4] - The joint venture is part of a broader strategy, as SoftBank is reportedly considering a $25 billion investment in OpenAI, which is valued at nearly $300 billion [5] - The Sakai facility will be SoftBank's third data center, complementing existing operations in Tokyo and a new facility under construction in Hokkaido [6][7]