Japanese technology conglomerate SoftBank Group has overtaken Toyota Motor Corporation to become Japan’s most valuable publicly traded company, ending the automaker’s more than two-decade reign at the top of the corporate rankings.
The milestone reflects growing investor confidence in artificial intelligence and comes as SoftBank accelerates its efforts to become a dominant force in the global AI ecosystem. The company’s market value recently climbed to approximately ¥48.8 trillion ($307 billion), surpassing Toyota’s ¥45.9 trillion ($288 billion) after a sharp rally in SoftBank shares.
Investor enthusiasm was fueled by the company’s announcement of a massive artificial intelligence infrastructure project in France. SoftBank revealed plans to invest as much as €75 billion ($87 billion) in AI-related facilities, including large-scale data centers designed to power next-generation computing and machine-learning systems.
The first phase of the initiative will see roughly €45 billion invested over the next five years to develop 3.1 gigawatts of AI data-center capacity in northern France. The project is expected to rank among the largest AI infrastructure developments ever undertaken in Europe.
The announcement was made during France’s annual “Choose France” investment summit, where government officials highlighted the country's ambition to become a leading hub for artificial intelligence. France’s extensive energy resources, particularly its nuclear-powered electricity network, have become a major attraction for technology companies seeking reliable power for AI computing operations.
SoftBank founder and Chief Executive Officer Masayoshi Son described AI infrastructure as one of the defining investments of the coming decades. He argued that nations capable of building advanced computing networks will play a crucial role in shaping future technological and economic leadership.
Beyond the France project, SoftBank’s valuation has benefited from its expanding footprint across the AI industry. The company holds significant interests in several high-profile AI-related businesses, including chip designer Arm Holdings and AI developer OpenAI, both of which have seen substantial growth amid the global AI boom.
The company’s rise also reflects a broader transformation in investor priorities. As artificial intelligence increasingly becomes a central driver of economic growth, technology companies tied to AI development are commanding premium valuations, often outpacing traditional industrial giants.
For market observers, SoftBank’s ascent represents more than a change in rankings. It signals a shift in how investors view the future of global business, with AI infrastructure, computing power, and advanced semiconductor technologies emerging as key pillars of long-term value creation.
While some analysts caution that soaring AI-related valuations could face future scrutiny, SoftBank’s latest achievements underscore the powerful momentum currently driving the sector. With record market value, strategic AI investments, and a growing global footprint, the company has positioned itself at the forefront of the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence economy.