OpenAI Launches Custom Japanese GPT-4 Model And New Office In Tokyo!

It’s no secret that the world of artificial intelligence (AI) is growing at unprecedented rates.

In the wake of high competition, AI companies are trying their best to build, create and launch the most powerful tools, the most capable infrastructure and the most thoroughly trained experts.
 
Keeping to this thought, OpenAI made an announcement that shows its intent to lead the AI race.

So, what did OpenAI reveal and how will it help? Let’s explore!
 

What Did OpenAI Announce?

 

• Through a blog post published on its website, OpenAI announced that it opened its first office in Asia, which is located in Tokyo, Japan.

• The move comes as the company looks to collaborate with the Japanese government, local businesses and research institutions to develop safe AI tools suited to serve Japan’s unique needs.

• This will also see Tadao Nagasaki assume the role of President of OpenAI Japan.

• The company also said that it was releasing a custom GPT-4 model optimized for the Japanese language. To further the company’s long-term commitment to the region, it will provide local businesses with early access.

• As per OpenAI’s release, the custom model built on GPT-4 brings in improved performance in translating and summarizing Japanese text, offering up to 3x faster outputs than its GPT-4 Turbo model, while also enabling cost-efficiencies.

• Providing an example, the release said, “Speak, a top English learning app in Japan, is seeing 2.8x faster tutor explanations in Japanese when users make a mistake with a 47% reduction in token cost, unlocking higher quality tutor feedback in more places and with higher limits per user.”

• This move also brings OpenAI closer to companies like Daikin, Rakuten and TOYOTA Connected who use ChatGPT Enterprise.

• OpenAI’s plan includes a broader release of the custom model in the coming months.

• Through a blog post published on the OpenAI website, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, said, “We’re excited to be in Japan which has a rich history of people and technology coming together to do more. We believe AI will accelerate work by empowering people to be more creative and productive, while also delivering broad value to current and new industries that have yet to be imagined.”

The Microsoft-backed company isn’t the only one showing an interest in enhancing connectivity and building technological relations with Japan. Recently we reported on Google investing $1 billion to enhance digital connectivity to Japan with two subsea cables.

Ahead of this, Microsoft itself invested big in the country, as it looks to enhance its presence in Japan. This came with a range of announcements.
 

What Did Microsoft Announce?

 

• As per a news article published on Microsoft’s website, the company is set to invest $2.9 billion over the next two years to boost its AI infrastructure and increase its hyperscale cloud computing in Japan.

• This move also includes boosting the nation’s skills and research capabilities and strengthening its cybersecurity defenses, with the goal of providing AI skilling to more than 3 million people over the next three years.

• To this effect, the company will open its first Microsoft Research Asia lab in Japan, while also attempting to deepen its cybersecurity collaboration with the Government of Japan.

• “These investments aim to support Japan’s key pillar to tackle deflation and stimulate the economy by expanding the infrastructure, skilled talent, and security required to accelerate Japan’s digital transformation and adoption of AI.”

• This move marks Microsoft’s single largest investment in its 46-year history in Japan, which also happens to be its first international office.

• The move’s announcement comes at the same time the Japanese Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, is visiting the US.

• Speaking about the move, the Prime Minister said, “We appreciate Microsoft’s announcement of its new investment in Japan. Microsoft has made significant contributions to the social implementation of generative AI in Japan through various initiatives, and we look forward to further collaboration. We also look forward to deepening our cooperation in the field of cybersecurity.”

• Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President, Microsoft, said, “Today’s announcement represents Microsoft’s most significant investment in Japan since we set roots here in 1978. These investments in digital infrastructure, AI skills, cybersecurity, and AI research are essential ingredients for Japan to build a robust AI Economy.”

Do you think these moves by OpenAI and Microsoft will help it establish a leading position in the Asian AI market?

Let us know in the comments below!