June 13, 2026

SoftBank and OpenAI Unleash ‘Crystal Intelligence’ to Energize Japan’s Corporate AI Landscape

OpenAI
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The SoftBank Group, which includes SoftBank Corp. and SoftBank Group Corp., has partnered with OpenAI Group PBC to launch a joint venture known as SB OAI Japan GK (SB OAI Japan). The aim of this venture is to introduce “Crystal intelligence,” a groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) solution designed to revolutionize management and operational processes within Japanese enterprises.

Bringing AI to Corporate Management

The new solution combines OpenAI’s most recent products with customized implementation and system integration services. Exclusively available in Japan, “Crystal intelligence” is set for release in 2026, and is expected to significantly enhance organizational productivity and management efficiency by integrating state-of-the-art AI tools.

The new solution combines OpenAI’s enterprise offerings with local support and implementation provided by SB OAI Japan. SoftBank Corp. will be the first company to adopt and implement this technology before it becomes available to other customers in Japan. This initial deployment will serve to validate its effectiveness in product development and business transformation via advanced AI technologies.

AI Integration and Implementation

The insights and expertise acquired from these efforts will be disseminated to other enterprises through SB OAI Japan. The SoftBank Group is dedicated to transitioning into an AI-native organization, encouraging all employees to integrate AI into their daily tasks.

By utilizing OpenAI’s technology, the Group has already developed approximately 2.5 million custom GPTs (ChatGPTs tailored for specific tasks or use cases) for internal use. It is now laying the groundwork for the introduction of Crystal intelligence.

Vision for the Future

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, says that the joint venture with SoftBank is a significant move that will speed up their vision of delivering advanced AI to some of the world’s most influential companies, starting with Japan. Masayoshi Son, Chairman & CEO of SoftBank Group Corp., believes that this venture marks the beginning of a new era of innovation that will revolutionize how people work and how businesses are managed.

Questions & Answers

What is the purpose of the new venture between SoftBank Group and OpenAI Group PBC?
The joint venture, SB OAI Japan GK, aims to introduce a new AI-driven solution called “Crystal intelligence” that is designed to revolutionize corporate management and operations in Japanese enterprises.

What is “Crystal intelligence”?
“Crystal intelligence” is a solution that merges OpenAI’s latest products with customized implementation and system integration services. It aims to boost organizational productivity and efficiency by integrating advanced AI tools.

When is the release of “Crystal intelligence” expected?
The release of “Crystal intelligence” is scheduled for 2026 and it will be marketed exclusively in Japan.

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