Japan wants to be the world’s most ‘AI-friendly’ country

The Japanese technology sector is experiencing a significant transformation as major global consulting firms partner with NVIDIA to accelerate AI adoption across the country’s industrial landscape, addressing demographic challenges and workforce shortages.

Strategic initiative overview: Japan’s push to become “the world’s most AI-friendly country” is gaining momentum through a series of innovation centers established by leading consulting firms in partnership with NVIDIA.

• The Japanese AI systems market has reached $5.9 billion, demonstrating robust growth with a 31.2% year-over-year increase
• These centers will utilize NVIDIA AI Enterprise software, local language models, and NVIDIA NIM microservices to develop industry-specific AI solutions
• The initiative aims to address Japan’s demographic challenges, including a shrinking workforce due to an aging population

Key partnerships and developments: Major consulting firms are establishing specialized centers and programs to facilitate AI adoption across Japanese industries.

• Accenture has formed the Accenture NVIDIA Business Group, focusing on Japanese language model development and agentic AI solutions
• Deloitte is launching an AI Experience Center in Tokyo to showcase generative AI solutions and provide NVIDIA AI blueprints
• EY Japan is developing digital transformation solutions across finance, retail, media, and manufacturing sectors
• FPT is creating an AI Factory with plans to train over 8,000 professionals by 2026
• Kyndryl has introduced a dedicated AI private cloud for secure development and testing
• TCS Japan is implementing NVIDIA-based AI solutions in automotive and manufacturing industries

Technical infrastructure: The innovation centers will leverage NVIDIA’s comprehensive AI technology stack to enable advanced capabilities.

• NVIDIA Omniverse platform will support digital twin development and complex physical AI system simulation
• Local language models and NVIDIA NIM microservices will facilitate customized AI agent development
• NVIDIA Hopper GPUs and AI Enterprise software will provide the computational backbone for these initiatives

Geographic focus: The strategic placement of these innovation centers in Tokyo and Kansai metropolitan areas aims to maximize accessibility and impact.

• The centers will offer hands-on experience with NVIDIA’s latest technologies
• Expert guidance will be available to help companies navigate their AI transformation journey
• Solutions will be developed in secure, sovereign environments to address data privacy concerns

Future trajectory: The collaboration between NVIDIA and global consulting leaders signals a transformative phase in Japan’s industrial modernization, though success will depend on effective implementation and adoption rates across various sectors.

• These initiatives align with Japan’s national AI strategy while addressing specific industrial needs
• The focus on training and development suggests a long-term commitment to building sustainable AI capabilities
• The emphasis on industry-specific solutions indicates a practical approach to AI implementation