The Japanese government has announced a $19 billion national AI project in collaboration with the private sector. The initiative will involve the formation of a new entity next spring, spearheaded by SoftBank Group and over a dozen other companies, to develop Japan's largest foundational AI model. Approximately 100 experts from SoftBank and Preferred Networks will be part of the project team. The government aims to enhance industrial competitiveness and bolster national security through this ambitious endeavor.