OpenAI has announced its entry into the Asian market by opening its first office in Tokyo, Japan. The company is unveiling a GPT-4 custom optimised for the Japanese language. The company also plans to release the custom model more broadly in the API in the coming months.

“We’re excited to be in Japan, which has a rich history of people and technology coming together to do more,” said Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI. “We believe AI will accelerate work by empowering people to be more creative and productive, while also delivering broad value to current and new industries that have yet to be imagined.”

To lead its initiatives in Japan, OpenAI has appointed Tadao Nagasaki as the President of OpenAI Japan. Mr. Nagasaki will oversee commercial and market engagement efforts, as well as build a local team focused on Global Affairs, Go-to-Market strategies, Communications, Operations, and other functions tailored to the Japanese market.

Moreover, OpenAI is providing early access to a GPT-4 custom model optimised for Japanese. This model offers improved performance in translating and summarizing Japanese text, operates up to 3 times faster than its predecessor, and is cost-effective for local businesses.

OpenAI’s presence in Japan brings it closer to leading businesses such as Daikin, Rakuten, and TOYOTA Connected, which are using ChatGPT Enterprise for various applications, including automating complex processes, data analysis, and optimizing internal reporting.

Furthermore, OpenAI’s partnership  with local governments, such as Yokosuka City, showcases the potential of AI in improving public services and increasing productivity. Yokosuka City has reported significant productivity gains among its employees since integrating ChatGPT into its operations.