Microsoft-backed artificial intelligence startup OpenAI has made a strategic move by opening its first Asia office in Tokyo, Japan. The company, known for its ChatGPT generative AI chatbot that launched in late 2022, is now seeking to expand its global revenue sources.
CEO Sam Altman and COO Brad Lightcap have been engaging with Fortune 500 companies in the United States and Britain to attract new business opportunities. However, this move aligns with Japan’s goal to leverage AI technology to compete with China, accelerate digital services, and address labor shortages.
Altman revealed that the decision to establish an office in Japan came after discussions with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. This move signifies OpenAI’s commitment to expanding its footprint in key markets and capitalizing on growing opportunities in the AI sector.
Tadao Nagasaki, former president of Amazon Web Services in Japan, is leading the Japan business operations at OpenAI. Despite Japan being perceived as a technology laggard, local companies like SoftBank and NTT are making significant investments in large language models. Microsoft’s recent announcement of a $2.9 billion investment in cloud and AI infrastructure in Japan reflects a broader trend of U.S. tech giants increasing their presence and investments globally.
