Overview
- SoftBank and OpenAI confirmed SB OAI Japan, a Tokyo-based joint venture described as a 50-50 partnership to deliver enterprise AI to Japanese companies.
- Crystal Intelligence is a packaged suite that combines OpenAI’s models with localized implementation and support to improve corporate management and operations.
- SoftBank will be the first customer, deploying the system internally as it touts companywide AI use and 2.5 million custom ChatGPT instances already built for employees.
- The companies say a broader rollout is planned for 2026 in Japan, and some reporting describes the initial launch as Japan-only.
- The offering is positioned to meet Japan’s data and AI governance expectations under APPI, with reporting pointing to features such as data residency, consent tools and audit trails.