Introducing OpenAI Japan

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses OpenAI's expansion into Asia with the opening of a new office in Tokyo, Japan. It highlights OpenAI's commitment to collaborating with the Japanese government, local businesses, and research institutions to develop safe AI tools that serve Japan's unique needs and unlock new opportunities. The article also mentions the appointment of Tadao Nagasaki as the President of OpenAI Japan, and the introduction of a custom GPT-4 model optimized for the Japanese language.

🙋 Q&A

[01] OpenAI's Expansion into Japan

1. What are the key reasons for OpenAI choosing Tokyo as its first Asian office?

• Tokyo was chosen as OpenAI's first Asian office due to its global leadership in technology, culture of service, and a community that embraces innovation.

2. What are the goals and focus areas for OpenAI's operations in Japan?

• OpenAI aims to collaborate with the Japanese government, local businesses, and research institutions to develop safe AI tools that serve Japan's unique needs and unlock new opportunities.
• The company is committed to contributing to the local ecosystem and exploring how AI can help address societal challenges in the region, such as rural depopulation and labor shortages.

3. How is OpenAI integrating with the local community in Japan?

• OpenAI has appointed Tadao Nagasaki as the President of OpenAI Japan to lead the company's commercial and market engagement efforts and help build a local team to advance various functions.
• The company is providing local businesses with early access to a custom GPT-4 model optimized for the Japanese language, which offers improved performance in translating and summarizing Japanese text.

[02] Adoption of OpenAI's Technologies in Japan

1. How are major Japanese companies utilizing OpenAI's technologies?

• Companies like Daikin, Rakuten, and TOYOTA Connected are using ChatGPT Enterprise to automate complex business processes, assist in data analysis, and optimize internal reporting.

2. How are local governments in Japan leveraging OpenAI's technologies?

• Yokosuka City has gradually provided ChatGPT access to almost all city employees, and 80% have reported increases in productivity.
• Yokosuka City has formed a network with 21 local governments, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the City of Kobe, to share best practices of ChatGPT use in government.

3. How is the Japanese government involved in AI policy development?

• The Japanese government chaired the G7 Hiroshima AI Process and worked to implement AI policies that align with its goals for human dignity, diversity and inclusion, and sustainable societies.
• The government is helping Japan realize solutions to its rural depopulation and labor shortage challenges through the development of AI policies.