Core Viewpoint - Foxconn is responding to the growing demand for "sovereign AI" by producing AI servers domestically in Japan, utilizing the Kameyama No. 2 factory acquired from Sharp, with production expected to start within a year [1]. Group 1 - The Kameyama No. 2 factory will be repurposed for AI server production to cater to the Japanese market, aiming to establish a base for sovereign AI [1]. - Concerns exist regarding the sustainability of the rapid growth in AI demand; however, the chairman of Foxconn believes that the market size will continue to expand, especially with the increasing applications of AI models [1]. - The Kameyama factory has two buildings primarily used for producing small to medium-sized LCD panels, but due to fierce competition and low utilization rates in the LCD market, Sharp announced the sale of the Kameyama No. 2 factory to Foxconn by August 2026 [1]. Group 2 - Foxconn is coordinating with SoftBank Group for potential collaboration, although specific details were not disclosed [2]. - SoftBank has signed an agreement with Sharp to invest approximately 100 billion yen (about 4.868 billion yuan) to acquire land and buildings in Sakai City, Osaka, for constructing a large-scale AI data center [2]. - The AI data center will utilize approximately 450,000 square meters of land and 840,000 square meters of building area, with an initial power capacity of about 150 MW, aiming to start operations by 2026 and potentially expand to 250 MW in the future [2].

Core Viewpoint - Sharp has announced an asset transfer agreement with Aoi Electronics, selling its second factory in Mie Prefecture, previously used for producing small to medium-sized LCD panels, as part of its strategy to shift towards a brand-centric business model and optimize idle resources [1][4]. Group 1 - The agreement includes the sale of the second factory and part of the land in the Mie base, with Sharp assisting Aoi in establishing a semiconductor packaging production line [1][4]. - Sharp's Mie No. 2 factory was primarily used for producing small to medium-sized LCD panels for smartphones until it ceased operations after May 2024 [4]. - The Mie site consists of four factories, with the first and second factories already sold to Aoi, indicating a significant shift in Sharp's operational focus [4]. Group 2 - Aoi plans to enhance its advanced packaging business capabilities by leveraging the newly acquired second factory and the previously purchased first factory, aiming for full production by the fiscal year 2027 [4]. - Sharp will support Aoi through its subsidiary responsible for small to medium-sized panel business, facilitating the rapid establishment of the semiconductor packaging line [4].