In Tokyo on January 22, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son's multi-billion-dollar investment plan in AI in the United States demonstrates one strategic way to approach the new Trump administration: make sizable investments upfront and address specifics later.
While this bold tactic may resonate with Trump, the broader Japanese corporate sphere faces challenges in replicating such an approach amidst uncertainties like potential tariffs. Son's recent collaborations and vast investment proposals exemplify this proactive stance, with his recent joint venture named Stargate with OpenAI and Oracle.
Kunihiko Miyake, a research director at the Canon Institute for Global Studies, noted, "More investment in the mainland USA is always something that will be welcomed by the Trump administration," highlighting Son's distinctive approach among Japanese business leaders. As Son's rapid decision-making diverges from the traditional Japanese corporate norm of meticulous long-term planning, the industry recognizes the uniqueness of his strategies.
Son's visionary investments, such as the AI infrastructure venture Stargate, align with his past ambitious initiatives, even amidst occasional setbacks like the WeWork investment. His recent decision to invest further in the US reflects a dedicated stance during a time when Japan's concerns about potential tariffs loom large.
While Son has actively engaged with President Trump, Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has yet to meet with him, indicating differing approaches to navigating US-Japan relations.
Son previously pledged $50 billion in the US in 2016, leading to the establishment of the $100 billion Vision Fund. SoftBank's current engagement in Stargate underscores the company's renewed strategic investment drive post recent portfolio challenges.
Through its participation in Stargate, SoftBank underscores its valuable tech assets and management capabilities in the realm of AI, aligning with the US objective to maintain its technological edge over China. Son's innovative strategies also underscore SoftBank's proactive shift towards promising tech opportunities in the US market.
As Japanese companies eye US expansion to counter domestic challenges, effective engagement with US policy is crucial, as exemplified by Nippon Steel's recent setback in the US due to regulatory hurdles.
Overall, Son's bold approach exemplifies a departure from traditional corporate conservatism, highlighting the evolving dynamics of Japanese business leadership vis-à-vis global markets and partnerships.