NTT is in talks to build Anthropic's first data center in Japan, a project that could cost as much as $6.3 billion, according to people familiar with the matter. The facility would serve Anthropic's AI operations in the region.
If the deal goes through, it would mark a significant expansion of AI infrastructure in Japan and give Anthropic a dedicated foothold in the country. The talks are ongoing and no final agreement has been announced.
A $6.3 billion bet on Japanese AI
The price tag — up to $6.3 billion — puts the project among the larger AI infrastructure investments contemplated in Japan. For NTT, the work would extend its role as a builder and operator of large-scale computing facilities. For Anthropic, it would provide the physical capacity needed to run AI models closer to users and enterprises in Japan.
The exact location, power capacity, and timeline haven't been disclosed. Neither company has confirmed the talks publicly.
Why Anthropic needs a Japan data center
Anthropic's AI models require substantial computing power, and demand for that capacity has been rising across Asia. A Japan-based data center would let the company serve local customers with lower latency and address data-residency concerns that often come with running AI workloads through overseas infrastructure.
Japan has been pushing to strengthen its domestic AI capabilities, and a project of this size would add meaningful capacity. It would also reduce reliance on data centers in other countries for AI services used by Japanese businesses and government agencies.
NTT's role in the buildout
NTT has the engineering and network assets to take on a project of this scale. The company operates data centers and communications infrastructure across Japan and internationally. Building for Anthropic would tie NTT to one of the leading AI model developers and give it a long-term anchor tenant for a high-density computing facility.
Details on how the project would be financed, whether it would be a joint venture or a build-to-suit lease, and which NTT unit would lead the work haven't been reported.
What's still unresolved
The talks could still fall apart. The $6.3 billion figure is a potential cost, not a final budget, and the scope of the facility may change as negotiations continue.
Anthropic hasn't announced a Japan data center before, so this would be its first in the country if it proceeds. NTT hasn't commented on the discussions. A timeline for a decision hasn't been made public. The next concrete step would be a formal announcement from either company, which hasn't happened yet.
