A number of Japanese companies, including Fujitsu and Asahi Kasei, are considering investing in a new artificial intelligence venture established by SoftBank (TYO: 9984) and other corporate groups, Jiji Press has reported.

According to people familiar with the matter cited by the agency, the companies are examining plans to invest tens of millions of yen each, equivalent to several hundred thousand US dollars.

Fujitsu chief executive Takahito Tokita signalled support for the initiative during a business briefing on the same day.

“I see the value in developing domestic AI models,” Tokita said, indicating Fujitsu’s willingness to consider an investment in the company.

The new venture was established in April by SoftBank, NEC, Sony Group and Honda Motor.

Backed by a broad group of domestic companies, the firm aims to develop highly competitive Japanese-made AI models. The company is actively seeking further investors and additional corporate participation is expected.