SoftBank, NEC, Honda, and Sony Group have established a new company in Japan focused on artificial intelligence (AI) development. Named "Japan AI Foundation Model Development," the venture aims to create a domestically developed AI foundation model with support from the Japanese government. The initiative will involve approximately 100 AI developers, with a SoftBank executive as president. The company is backed by additional funding from Nippon Steel, Kobe Steel, and major banks including MUFG Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, and Mizuho Bank. SoftBank and NEC will spearhead the development efforts, while Honda plans to integrate the AI advancements into autonomous driving technologies. The AI developed will be accessible to Japanese enterprises, with future expansions into robotics control.