NTT Data in final talks to build 500MW Anthropic data center in Osaka

NTT Data Group is currently in the final stages of discussions to build a major data center in western Japan for US artificial intelligence company Anthropic, according to multiple sources cited by Nikkei Asia. This development marks a significant step in the infrastructure planning for the AI firm within the Asian market.

The proposed facility is slated for construction in Osaka and is designed to handle a power load of up to 500 megawatts. Nikkei Asia reports that this capacity would place the site among the largest data centers in Japan. The potential financial commitment for the project is estimated at $6.3 billion.

Project Scale and Location

The scale of the proposed Osaka facility reflects the growing energy demands of advanced AI infrastructure. A 500-megawatt capacity is substantial for a single site, indicating a need for robust power grid connections and cooling systems. The location in western Japan, specifically Osaka, suggests a strategic choice for regional connectivity and talent access.

Nikkei Asia notes that the talks are in their final stages, implying that key terms between NTT Data and Anthropic are nearly settled. The $6.3 billion valuation underscores the capital intensity of modern AI data centers. This investment level is typical for facilities housing large-scale model training and inference workloads.

Strategic Implications

The partnership between NTT Data and Anthropic highlights the increasing reliance on local infrastructure providers by global AI firms. NTT Data, as a major Japanese IT services company, brings local expertise and regulatory knowledge to the project. This collaboration could streamline the approval and construction processes in Japan.

For Anthropic, establishing a physical presence in Japan through such a large facility signals a long-term commitment to the region. The project may also influence local energy policies and data sovereignty considerations. The sheer size of the investment suggests that Anthropic plans to expand its operational footprint significantly in Asia.

What should you do?

Security and technology professionals should monitor developments regarding this facility for insights into AI infrastructure trends. Understanding the scale of such projects helps in planning for future data center security requirements. Organizations should also consider the implications of regional data hosting for their own compliance strategies.

WATCH:

• Track official announcements from NTT Data and Anthropic regarding the final agreement.
• Monitor local regulatory responses to large-scale data center developments in Osaka.
• Assess how this investment might affect regional cloud service offerings and pricing.

What to do and how to stay safe: NTT Data

• Review your organization's data residency requirements in light of new Asian infrastructure.
• Evaluate the security implications of relying on third-party data center providers.
• Monitor energy consumption trends in AI facilities to anticipate future infrastructure needs.
• Stay informed about regulatory changes in Japan regarding data center construction and operation.

Step-by-step guide: Prompt Injection Warning Signs: How to Spot AI Manipulation

General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

Who is building the new data center for Anthropic?

NTT Data Group is in advanced talks to build the facility for Anthropic in Osaka, Japan.

How large is the proposed data center?

The facility is planned to have a capacity of up to 500 megawatts, making it one of Japan's largest.

What is the estimated cost of the project?

The project is potentially costing $6.3 billion, according to sources cited by Nikkei Asia.