SoftBank Group Chairman and CEO Masayoshi Son announced at the company's annual shareholders' meeting in Tokyo that SoftBank aims to become the world's leading provider in the era of artificial superintelligence, focusing on four key areas: AI models, chips, infrastructure, and robots [1]. Son stated, "I want (the company) to become the overwhelming global No.1 provider in four areas," underscoring the company's strategic direction [1].
SoftBank has been investing heavily in U.S.-based OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, with Son revealing that the total investment in OpenAI is expected to reach $64.6 billion by October this year [1]. The company is also advancing plans to build data centers in the United States and Europe through significant investments and is taking stakes in robotics companies to develop AI-powered robots [1]. Son disclosed that mass production of SoftBank's physical AI, or robots, has already begun, with an official announcement expected soon [1].
Additionally, SoftBank Corp., a subsidiary of SoftBank Group, is negotiating a capital alliance with Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. If realized, this alliance would increase power capacity and enable the establishment of AI data centers in Japan [1].
Financially, SoftBank Group reported a record net profit of 5 trillion yen ($31 billion) for the business year ended March, more than quadrupling its previous results [1]. Despite previously indicating plans to retire in his 60s, the 68-year-old Son stated he intends to remain at the helm for another 10 to 15 years, emphasizing, "I have no time to retire" [1].
CONCLUSION
SoftBank's aggressive investments in AI and infrastructure, coupled with record profits, signal a strong commitment to global leadership in artificial superintelligence. Masayoshi Son's decision to extend his leadership further reinforces the company's ambitious long-term vision and market confidence.