Japan and the United States plan to soon complete the initial projects under a suggested $550 billion investment plan between the two countries. One of the main areas being considered is large digital projects, such as data centers linked to SoftBank Group.
Government officials want to approve the first project before Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visits the U.S. this spring.
The investment program should last around three and a half years and will support key industries through investments, loans, and loan guarantees, instead of direct cash payments.
Japan’s part will be backed by government groups like the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI), along with private sector funding supported by NEXI. Since loan guarantees are a large part of the plan, the initial capital spent may be less than the stated $550 billion.
Key Highlights
Japan and the US advance $550 billion investment framework SoftBank-linked data centre projects among shortlisted proposals First projects expected to be finalised before Japan PM’s US visit
The US Departments of Commerce and Energy, related Japanese ministries, JBIC, and NEXI are currently reviewing the plan. A US investment committee, led by the Secretary of Commerce, will assess the shortlisted ideas. President Donald Trump gives the final approval.
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People familiar with the matter say that digital projects, mainly large data center growth related to SoftBank, are a key priority.
This shows the increasing need for computing power to help with AI, cloud services, and upcoming technologies. The total financial result will rely on how fast the projects are done and the final approved financing plan.
AloJapan.com