SoftBank initiates SB Intuitions, aimed at developing language models and generative AI for Japan

SoftBank has announced the launch of SB Intuitions, a subsidiary that intends to research and develop large language models (LLMs) specifically tailored for the Japanese language. The company will exclusively use data from Japan-based data centers, potentially leveraging SoftBank’s existing customer and enterprise operations. The service will use SoftBank’s forthcoming Nvidia GPU-based computing platform. Hironobu Tamba, who has previously led SoftBank’s AI and IoT division, will head SB Intuitions. The company also has a strategic alliance with Microsoft for co-developing AI initiatives. SoftBank believes generative AI technology, which is currently dominated by English and Chinese models, will be of paramount importance and aims to develop a system more suited to Japanese business practice and culture.