OpenAI opens its first Asian office in Tokyo

By Ahmet Furkan Mercan and Muhammed Yasin Gungor

TOKYO/ISTANBUL (AA) - OpenAI, the developer of the artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT, has opened its first office in the Asian region in the Japanese capital, Tokyo.

"We chose Tokyo as our first Asian office for its global leadership in technology, culture of service, and a community that embraces innovation," said company in an official statement.

Company's CEO Sam Altman highlighted Japan's tradition of blending human ingenuity with technological advancement.

He emphasized AI's potential to "enhance creativity, productivity, and industrial progress."

President for OpenAI Japan, Tadao Nagasaki, is tasked with "enhancing local integration and managing commercial initiatives," according to the statement.

The initiative targets local enterprises such as Daikin, Rakuten, and TOYOTA Connected, alongside governmental bodies like Yokosuka City, aiming for "heightened efficiency and productivity."

Altman considered Japan as "global voice on AI policy," highlighting its involvement in the G7 Hiroshima AI Process.

He described the opening as "the first step in what he hopes will be a long-term partnership with the people and business community of Japan."

Separately, the company unveiled a specialized GPT-4 model for Japanese, promising "improved efficiency and affordability."

According to state broadcaster NHK, representatives from the business and bureaucracy attended a press conference at a hotel in the Chiyoda district to mark the opening of the new office.

Aiming to develop its international operations, OpenAI previously opened offices in London and Dublin in 2023.

During his visit to Tokyo in April 2023, the company's CEO discussed investment possibilities for the national market in a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio.