Sustainability

SoftBank Corp. Selected to Establish New Landing Stations for E2A Submarine Cable System

With the rapid development of AI, international data traffic has surged dramatically in recent years. Given this trend, securing a stable international communications network has become essential to sustaining economic growth and maintaini…

Edge AI in Action: How a Fish Counting Solution from SoftBank Corp. and Aizip is Transforming Aquaculture

Agriculture, aquaculture, and livestock farming are often practiced in remote areas far from urban centers. Coastal and mountainous areas like these often lack reliable connectivity, and this has hindered the adoption of digital and AI tec…

Base Stations in the Sky: SoftBank Corp. to Launch Pre-commercial HAPS Services for Japan in 2026

To help bridge the digital divide and provide emergency communications during disasters, SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) has been actively conducting research and development for its High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) stratospheric telecom…

SoftBank Corp.’s 39th Annual General Meeting of Shareholders: Setting the Stage for a Society that Coexists with AI

SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) held its 39th Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM) on June 26, 2025, at Tokyo International Forum. President & CEO Junichi Miyakawa chaired the meeting, and after reviewing SoftBank’s business progress,…

SoftBank Corp. Providing 5G Connectivity on Mt. Fuji Summit for Summer Climbing Season

With its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mt. Fuji is one of Japan’s top attractions. Climbing to the top of Japan’s most iconic mountain, however, is no easy feat. To make the journey more comfortable, every year SoftBank Corp. (TO…

SoftBank Corp. and Cubic³ Partner to Bring Connectivity to Vehicles Across All Corners of the Globe

As vehicles increasingly become digital platforms, reliable, seamless connectivity will be crucial for them to remain connected to the Internet, even in areas that ground-based cellular networks can't reach. This will ensure that over-the-…

140 Entrepreneurs from Ireland Visit SoftBank Headquarters to Gain Insights from SoftBank Corp. and Cubic³

On May 27, 2025, a delegation of 140 of Ireland’s leading entrepreneurs visited SoftBank Corp.’s (TOKYO: 9434) headquarters to learn about how SoftBank grew into a major IT and telecommunications company as well as the strategic partnershi…

SoftBank Corp. FY2024 Earnings: Record Revenue, Increased Profits, Mid-term Plan Targets Revised Upward

Key Highlights Record revenue achieved for ninth consecutive year 13% YoY increase in operating income and 8% YoY increase in net income Mid-term Plan targets for revenue and operating income achieved one year ahead of schedule Aiming for …

SoftBank Corp. Scores in Top 10% of S&P Global’s Sustainability Yearbook For Second Consecutive Year

For the second year in a row, SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) was selected for inclusion in the top 10% of companies worldwide in S&P Global’s Sustainability Yearbook 2025 rankings. On April 8, 2025, the research and rating firm hosted an awa…

Laying the Foundation for the AI Era: Construction Begins on “Hokkaido Tomakomai AI Data Center”

As a facility key to SoftBank Corp.’s (TOKYO: 9434) next-generation social infrastructure initiative, the “Hokkaido Tomakomai AI Data Center” is designed to house a large-scale computing platform and operate entirely on renewable energy pr…

SoftBank Corp. Division Head Ashiq Khan Reveals Secrets for a Successful Global Career

“I believe things have always worked out in the end.” So says Ashiq Khan, Head of the Unified Cloud & Platform Division (UCPD) in the Technology Unit at SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434), when describing his career path. Overseeing a team of ab…

AI-RAN a Game Changer for Mobile Networks: Interview with SoftBank Corp. Principal Fellow Alex Jinsung Choi

Since it first announced its AI-RAN concept in 2023 as a foundation for next-generation mobile networks to support a society that coexists with AI, SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) has made significant progress in bringing its vision to realit…

AI Innovations Driving SoftBank Corp.’s Vision for a Sustainable Future

SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434), which is placing high priority on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management that balances sustainability with enhanced corporate value, held an ESG Briefing Session for investors and the press on …

SoftBank Corp.’s AI Vision: Building Next-generation Social Infrastructure and Mastering the Use of AI

During SoftBank Corp.’s (TOKYO: 9434) Q3 FY2024 earnings briefing held on February 10, 2025, President & CEO Junichi Miyakawa noted that after the announcement of a new collaboration with OpenAI on February 3, the company received numerous…

Joint Venture that Includes SoftBank Corp. and Toyota Motor Corporation Launches Public Autonomous Mobility Service in Tokyo Waterfront City

On January 22, 2025, MONET Technologies Inc.—a joint venture with SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434), Toyota Motor Corporation and other Japan-based automotive manufacturers—launched an autonomous mobility service that runs on the public roads o…

SoftBank Corp. Q3 FY2024 Earnings: Revenue and Profit Growth Continues, Updates Given on AI Initiatives with OpenAI and for Development of LLMs Specialized for Japanese

On February 10, 2025, SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) President & CEO Junichi Miyakawa presented earnings results for the first nine months (April - December, 2024) of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025 (FY2024 Q1-Q3). At the press confere…

Honda and SoftBank Corp. Test Cellular V2X Technology to Prevent Traffic Accidents

Connected vehicle technology, which enables vehicles to be constantly connected to communication networks, is expected to be essential to next-generation forms of mobility, including autonomous driving. By connecting vehicles to various th…

SoftBank Corp. Opens “EBC STATION Ai” to Demonstrate New Technologies and Foster Open Innovation in Japan’s Tokai Region

On December 13, 2024, SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) announced it is planning to open “EBC STATION Ai” – an experiential facility that showcases new technology solutions – in January 2025. EBC STATION Ai will be operated by SoftBank and loca…

AI Meets Aquaculture: Fish Counting Application From SoftBank Corp. and Aizip Wins CES® 2025 Innovation Award

SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) and Silicon Valley-based Aizip, Inc. jointly developed a machine learning application capable of counting fish in real time with smartphones and other edge devices. The technology was selected for a CES® 2025 I…

SoftBank Corp. Invests in Next-generation Solar Cell Developer PXP Corporation to Expand Use of Renewable Energy

To build next-generation infrastructure for the AI era, SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) is advancing the construction of AI computing platforms and data centers, and, to meet the increased demand for AI-driven data processing while taking ste…

Tokyu Land and SoftBank Corp. Use Generative AI Avatars to Help Visitors Navigate Shibuya

The Greater Shibuya Area – which encompasses Shibuya, Harajuku and Omotesando – is a hot spot in Tokyo where work and play are closely intertwined. While destinations like the Shibuya Scramble Crossing – said to be one of the world’s busie…

Building a Japanese-based LLM for the Next Leap: Message from Head of Homegrown Generative AI Development in SoftBank Corp. Integrated Report 2024

The English edition of SoftBank Corp.’s (TOKYO: 9434) Integrated Report for 2024, published on October 31, 2024, is a comprehensive report that not only covers SoftBank’s financial information for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 (FY20…

Establishing Effective Corporate Governance: Lead Independent External Director’s Message in SoftBank Corp. Integrated Report 2024

The English edition of SoftBank Corp.’s (TOKYO: 9434) Integrated Report for 2024, published on October 31, 2024, is a comprehensive report that not only covers SoftBank’s financial information for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 (FY20…

SoftBank Corp. Q2 FY2024 Earnings: Full-year Forecasts Revised Upward, Revenue and Profit Increase

On November 8, 2024, SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) President & CEO Junichi Miyakawa presented earnings results for the second quarter (Q2) and first half (H1) of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025 (FY2024). At the press conference held i…

Evolving into a Technology Company Supporting a Society that Coexists with AI: SoftBank Corp. Integrated Report 2024 CEO Message

The English edition of SoftBank Corp.’s (TOKYO: 9434) Integrated Report for 2024, published on October 31, 2024, is a comprehensive report that not only covers SoftBank’s financial information for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 (FY20…

SoftBank Corp. Further Strengthens its AI Computing Platform by Installing Approximately 4,000 NVIDIA Hopper GPUs

To enable a society that co-exists with AI, SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) is continuing to make progress on its goal to build and provide different types of AI infrastructure in Japan. On October 31, SoftBank announced it finished installin…

SDGs Actions: Aiming to Realize a Supply Chain with Net Zero Emissions

As climate change continues to intensify, achieving Net Zero emissions represents not only a goal, but an essential step toward achieving a sustainable future for humanity and the planet. As many companies around the world work to address …

SoftBank Corp.’s Improved Solar-powered HAPS Aircraft Completes Stratospheric Flight

SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) is actively conducting research and development for its HAPS business to help bridge the digital divide and provide emergency communications during disasters. After first its HAPS business in 2017, SoftBank has…

MONET Technologies to Launch Autonomous Mobility Service in Tokyo Waterfront City

In the latter half of fiscal 2024*, MONET Technologies Inc.—a joint venture with SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434), Toyota Motor Corporation and other Japan-based automotive manufacturers—plans to launch an autonomous mobility service that will…

SDGs Actions: How Smart Buildings Can Add Value and Reduce CO2 Emissions

Due to the spread of telecommuting and other workstyle changes, what people need from offices and buildings has dramatically changed in recent years. Greater comfort for employees and support for diversified workstyles are some requirement…

2024 as the First Year of 6G: How SoftBank Corp. is Getting Ready for a New Era

Following full-fledged commercial rollouts around the world, 5G brought ultra-high speeds, ultra-low latency and massive simultaneous connections to the masses. 6G is expected to bring even more wireless communication advancements and inno…

Level 4 Autonomous Bus Service to Start Near Haneda Airport

Kajima Corporation and BOLDLY Inc., an autonomous driving systems development and service subsidiary of SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434), have been conducting Level 2 autonomous driving bus operations – which sees hands-free driving under cert…

SoftBank Corp. and University of Miyazaki Develop Power Generation Simulation for Solar-powered HAPS

SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) is developing an uncrewed solar-powered aircraft for High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) stratospheric-based wireless communication systems. Unlike a satellite, it requires energy to maintain a consistent alt…

SoftBank Corp.’s 38th Annual General Meeting of Shareholders: Investing in AI for Future Business Growth

SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) held its 38th Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM) on June 20, 2024, at Tokyo Garden Theater in the Ariake area of Tokyo. President & CEO Junichi Miyakawa chaired the meeting, and after reviewing SoftBa…

SoftBank Corp. Testing Terahertz Frequency to Realize Ultra-high Communication Speeds in 6G Era

While it has been about four years since SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) launched commercial 5G services, SoftBank and the telecommunications industry are already looking ahead to 6G, a mobile communications technology expected to see commerc…

SoftBank Corp. Developing AI-powered “Emotion Canceling” Solution to Protect Workers From “Customer Harassment”

While Japan’s service sector is widely lauded for its high standards of politeness, punctuality, efficiency and attention to detail, one issue front-line workers are contending with is “customer harassment” in which retail workers or call …

SoftBank Corp. Ranked in Top 10% for S&P Global’s Sustainability Yearbook 2024

SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) was selected for inclusion in the top 10% of companies worldwide in S&P Global’s Sustainability Yearbook 2024. On April 9, 2024, the research and rating firm hosted an award ceremony in Tokyo where SoftBank rec…

SoftBank Corp. Switching from Retail Bags with Plastic Coating to New Ones with 100% Recycled Paper

Since 2010, SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) has been using high-quality paper shopping bags with a plastic finish at its ‘SoftBank’ stores and other retail outlets. The luxurious white bags displaying the ‘SoftBank’ logo have been a common si…

SDGs Actions: Providing Connectivity from the Sky to Enhance Education in Africa

As a company that provides telecommunications and IT services as its main business, SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) believes that contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) not only helps solve social issues in various situation…

How AI-RAN Can Transform the Telecommunications Industry in the AI Era

The formation of the AI-RAN Alliance, a new collaborative initiative aimed at integrating AI into cellular technology to further advance radio access network (RAN) technology and mobile networks, was one of the top stories of Mobile World …

Harnessing EdTech to Bring Educational Equality to Rwanda

The Republic of Rwanda has mandated the use of information and communication technology (ICT) to accelerate its socio-economic development, and has already made significant progress in integrating it into its society. One symbol of the cou…

Institute for AI and Beyond Leads Discussions at AI House Davos During the World Economic Forum

2024’s World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting was held from January 15-19 in Davos, Switzerland, and this year’s program featured AI House Davos, a new initiative that brought leaders in industry, civil society, government, the investin…

Infrastructure and Governance for the AI Era: SoftBank Corp. Holds its First ESG Briefing

On February 26, 2024, SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) held its first Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) briefing for investors. At the event in Tokyo, three SoftBank executives–Junichi Miyakawa (President & CEO), Masato Ikeda, (Vice Pre…

Harnessing AI to Transform Wireless: Industry Leaders Form AI-RAN Alliance

How can AI innovations be utilized to advance the telecommunications industry, and society at large? To address this challenge, leading technology, industry, and academic institutions came together at Mobile World Congress Barcelona on Feb…

Sit Down but Don’t Pedal: A New Mobility Option Comes to Japan

With its extensive network of rail lines, trams, monorails and buses, Japan is well known for having a wide array of public transportation choices. There is still room for improvement, however, and new and complementary mobility options to…

SoftBank Corp. Q3 FY2023 Earnings: Upward Revisions to Full-year Forecasts and Progress on Next-generation Social Infrastructure

On February 7, 2024, SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) President & CEO Junichi Miyakawa presented earnings results for the nine months ended December 31, 2023 (Q1-Q3) of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024 (FY2023). At the press conference he…

Water Tech Solution Brings Warmth and Hygiene to Noto Peninsula Evacuees

As reported earlier by SoftBank News, SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) has been conducting various initiatives to restore communications on the Noto Peninsula following the magnitude 7.6 earthquake that struck on January 1, 2024. Further to it…

SoftBank Corp. Leads Global Efforts to Expand Spectrum Crucial to HAPS Services of the Future

From November to December 2023, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)’s World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23) was held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) was there representing Japan, along w…

SoftBank Corp. Working to Restore Communications in Quake-hit Noto Peninsula with Drone System and Other Means

On January 1, 2024, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. The earthquake and its aftershocks severely disrupted transportation, power and water supplies and communications. In response, SoftBan…

Energy Saving “Eco-Denki App” from SB Power Takes the World Stage at COP28

The 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), was successfully held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), from November 30 to December 12, 2023. The Japan Pavilion, hosted by the M…