Rapid Ascent of Artificial Intelligence Propels Masayoshi Son Back to Top of Japan's Wealth Rankings by SoftBank
SoftBank Group, led by Masayoshi Son, Japan's richest person, has announced a significant expansion of its investments in artificial intelligence (AI) for the year 2025. A notable part of this strategy involves a massive partnership with OpenAI and the Stargate AI infrastructure project, with SoftBank planning to invest around $30 billion in OpenAI, contributing to a larger $40 billion partnership focused on AI advancement and infrastructure development.
The Stargate Project, a central element of this collaboration, is a multi-billion-dollar initiative to build dedicated AI computing infrastructure in the U.S. This project aims to provide scalable, efficient AI training environments, fortify domestic AI leadership, and serve as a model for future AI infrastructure globally. However, reports in mid-2025 indicate that the Stargate Project has faced challenges in its early stages, leading to a significant scaling back of near-term plans.
Beyond direct OpenAI investment, SoftBank is also reinforcing its AI strategy via semiconductor industry investments. In August 2025, SoftBank announced a $2 billion investment in Intel, aligning with SoftBank's view that semiconductors are foundational to AI growth and broader technological innovation. This move aims to support semiconductor manufacturing expansion in the U.S., critical for AI hardware supply chains.
The recent financial performance of SoftBank Group reflects the company's commitment to this AI-focused strategy. In June, the company reported a net income of 421.82 billion yen ($2.9 billion), significantly higher than analysts' forecast. This growth, coupled with the increase in SoftBank Group's shares, has contributed to Son's wealth increase.
However, the company's debt risk could heighten if it continues to sink money into Stargate, according to Morningstar's Baker. To fund its AI investments, SoftBank sold $4.8 billion worth of T-Mobile shares in June. The company may also consider selling more T-Mobile shares or shares in Arm, a Nasdaq-listed chip design firm about 90% owned by SoftBank, for investment purposes.
In a move that could further strengthen its position in the AI technology and semiconductor sectors, SoftBank is reportedly considering acquiring U.S. chip design firm Ampere Computing for $6.5 billion.
In summary, SoftBank's AI strategy positions the company as a pivotal player in AI technology, infrastructure, and semiconductor innovation with a focus on U.S. industry leadership. The company's revenues rose 7% year-over-year to 1.8 trillion yen, and SoftBank Group's chairman and CEO, Masayoshi Son, has a net worth of $50.5 billion. Tadashi Yanai, founder of Uniqlo parent Fast Retailing, has a fortune of $46.8 billion. The overall strategy, while potentially increasing SoftBank's debt risk, is perceived as positioning the company for growth in the rapidly expanding AI market.
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