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 procured locally within Hokkaido Prefecture. On April 15, 2025, a traditional groundbreaking ceremony was held at the construction site of the AI data center, which is expected to grow into one of Japan’s largest.
“Brain DataCenter” essential infrastructure for the AI era
Simulated rendering of the future Hokkaido Tomakomai AI Data Center
To address the sharp increase in data processing demand driven by the rise of generative AI, and to counterbalance the overconcentration of data centers in the Tokyo and Osaka metropolitan areas, SoftBank and its subsidiary IDC Frontier Inc. are constructing a large-scale AI data center in Tomakomai City, Hokkaido Prefecture. Known as the “Hokkaido Tomakomai AI Data Center,” the center will serve as a core facility for SoftBank’s “Brain DataCenter” concept—an integral part of its next-generation social infrastructure initiative aimed at decentralizing data processing and energy consumption nationwide. Scheduled to begin operations in fiscal 2026, the Hokkaido Tomakomai AI Data Center is expected to become one of Japan’s largest, with an area of 700,000 square meters and a power capacity expected to exceed 300 megawatts.
Aerial view of construction site
Bringing cutting-edge AI to Tomakomai through public-private partnership
On April 15, 2025, a groundbreaking ceremony, which included a traditional soil-turning ritual, was held at the construction site for the project’s safety and success. The ceremony was attended by approximately 130 guests, including key government officials such as Toshihiko Shibuya, Deputy Director-General for Information Policy at Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Naomichi Suzuki, Governor of Hokkaido Prefecture, Suguru Kanazawa, Mayor of Tomakomai, alongside representatives from the construction and technology sectors.
Junichi Miyakawa, President & CEO of SoftBank Corp., reflecting on the project’s origins and challenges, said, “When we envisioned the future of generative AI, we knew Japan needed large-scale data centers. About five years ago, I approached Governor Suzuki to discuss possible sites in Hokkaido, and that conversation became the starting point for this data center. Although the project was briefly paused due to the pandemic, the Governor re-engaged us as the situation began to stabilize, and the plan went into motion again. Thanks to the leadership of the Governor and the swift and dedicated efforts of the Hokkaido Prefectural Government, Tomakomai City, and other stakeholders, we were able to reach this groundbreaking just one year after resuming the project—a rare feat for a data center of this scale, which typically involves lengthy processes for land acquisition and development.”
He continued, “Despite rising construction costs and labor shortages, we’ve been able to move forward thanks to the shared vision and cooperation of everyone here today. Going forward, we’ll build and deploy advanced AI technologies centered around this facility. I want today to be remembered as a new chapter for Hokkaido.”
On the same day as the ceremony, SoftBank and the Hokkaido Prefectural Government signed an updated partnership agreement to further strengthen collaboration related to the data center. This agreement builds on a previous accord signed in February 2024, with new provisions aimed at revitalizing Hokkaido’s industries through the utilization of the data center.
Naomichi Suzuki, Governor of Hokkaido Prefecture, also shared his thoughts. “Hokkaido offers a cool climate, abundant renewable energy, and vast land tracts, which are ideal conditions for a large-scale data center. I have long asked Mr. Miyakawa to consider such a development here. The Japanese government’s GX2040 Vision calls for clustering new industries in energy-rich regions, and under these circumstances, today’s groundbreaking ceremony is deeply significant.”
Suzuki added, “As smartphones and AI become increasingly integrated into our lives, data centers will only grow in importance. I believe all sectors of society will rely on them. Through our updated agreement, we’ll work together to address regional challenges and improve the quality of life for people in Hokkaido.”
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AloJapan.com