On April 11, 2025 KDDI Corporation, SAKURA internet Inc. and Highreso Co., Ltd concluded a basic agreement to jointly explore mechanisms for meeting surging GPU demand. The three companies said the Agreement aims to create a flexible system for fast, stable reciprocal GPU usage and cross-promotion of customers, targeting startups, Artificial Intelligence development companies and other domestic users. The move follows certification from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry under the Economic Security Promotion Act for plans to secure cloud program supply.
The partners detailed how the collaboration will combine distinct assets to deliver capacity and choice. KDDI will bring its Osaka Sakai data center, slated to begin operations in fiscal 2025 and planned to host NVIDIA GB200 NVL72 hardware capable of developing trillion-parameter generative models. SAKURA internet will contribute its ´Koukaryoku´ generative AI cloud services and domestic data center footprint, including the Ishikari data center that runs on 100 percent renewable energy. Highreso will supply its cost-competitive ´GPUSOROBAN´ GPU cloud offering and regional GPU data centers, including existing operations in Shika-machi and a recent Kagawa GPU center certified for the METI cloud program.
The stated objectives are operational and strategic. On the operational side, the companies will explore a platform for reciprocal access to optimal GPU types for different workloads, enabling flexible responses to demand fluctuations and stable delivery of use-appropriate computing resources. Strategically, the collaboration is pitched as a measure to strengthen domestic generative Artificial Intelligence development, reduce digital deficit risks and bolster Japan´s industrial competitiveness and economic security.
Executives emphasized complementary strengths and national impact. KDDI highlighted its ´WAKONX´ business platform for multi-cloud, multi-LLM and GPU services as a channel for distribution. SAKURA internet framed the agreement as essential infrastructure for continued generative Artificial Intelligence development in Japan. Highreso positioned the deal as a way to scale regional GPU capacity and keep Japanese GPU computing among the most economical globally. The agreement also references a related KDDI April 4, 2025 news release about acquiring the Sharp Sakai plant site to build AI data center capacity.
