NTT to build Anthropic's first Japan data center

NTT Data Group is in the final stages of negotiations to construct Anthropic's first dedicated data center in Japan, a move that would establish one of the country's largest AI processing facilities. The planned data center in Osaka could cost approximately $6.3 billion to build, with a partial opening anticipated by 2028.

This development marks a significant step in Anthropic's international expansion strategy. The U.S.-based AI company recently opened its first Asia-Pacific office in Tokyo and signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Japan AI Safety Institute to collaborate on AI evaluation standards and monitor emerging trends. Anthropic's CEO and co-founder Dario Amodei visited Tokyo to meet with government officials and customers, emphasizing Japan's role as a vital hub for the company's business growth.

The initiative aligns with Japan's increasing focus on data sovereignty and the demand for advanced AI services that process data domestically. NTT and SoftBank are also separately developing cybersecurity systems that keep AI data processing within Japan to meet these needs.

Japanese businesses are already integrating Anthropic's AI technology. Companies such as Rakuten, Nomura Research Institute, and Panasonic are leveraging Anthropic's models for tasks ranging from autonomous coding to document analysis and business operations, reporting significant productivity gains.