Microsoft has made its largest-ever commitment in Japan, with $10 billion (¥1.6 trillion) announced today.  Microsoft is making itself a foundational partner, deeply integrating its technology into Japan’s national security, economic policy, and critical infrastructure. Moving beyond selling software, Microsoft is deepening its cooperation with Japan’s National Cybersecurity Office and National Police Agency by sharing intelligence on cyber threats and crime prevention. Additionally, Microsoft will localize its H100/B200 GPUs in eastern and western Japan, partnering with Sakura Internet and SoftBank to “ensure domestic providers offer GPU-based AI compute services,” in an effort to maintain Japan’s data residency and to boost Japan’s LLM development. That LLM development will focus on Japan-originated LLMs, with Microsoft Azure working with Sakura and SoftBank on  “demanding AI workloads,” such as those for physical AI in robotics and precision manufacturing. As part of that focus, Microsoft will help train1 million developers by 2030, and target a projected shortfall of 3.26 million AI and robotics workers by 2040. With that in mind, Microsoft will work with the Japanese Electrical Electronic and Information Union, for which Microsoft is currently creating access to foundational AI skilling opportunities for approximately 580,000 workers. In other news, Ciena attempts to light up hundreds of fiber pairs between data centers and amplifier huts; five of Europe’s biggest mobile providers are forming a federated edge continuum; and Microsoft is investing in Thailand with strategic partners – see below!