The global data center company EdgeConneX has announced its entry into the Japanese market with an ambitious project in the Osaka-Kioto metropolitan area. The initiative, which will be developed in collaboration with Kagoya Asset Management, involves the construction of a campus with over 140 MW intended for cloud infrastructure and artificial intelligence (AI). A data centerA data center or data processing center (DPC) is expected to be operational by 2027, becoming one of the largest in the Kansai region.
A milestone in Japan’s digital infrastructure
With this announcement, EdgeConneX marks its first foray into the Japanese market, a country that is positioning itself as one of the most dynamic in the growth of cloud services and high-performance computing (HPC).
According to Kelvin Fong, General Manager of EdgeConneX for APAC, this project represents a key opportunity for the sector’s growth:
“We are excited to enter the Japanese market and take advantage of the multiple opportunities it offers. Japan is becoming a strategic hub for cloud and AI infrastructure, and we are committed to developing innovative and sustainable solutions that not only address current demand but also benefit future generations.”
For his part, Sadahiro Kitagawa, President and CEO of Kagoya Asset Management, emphasized the significance of the partnership:
“This collaboration represents a significant advancement in Japan’s digital infrastructure and reflects our commitment to the country’s economic growth and technological innovation.”
Accelerated growth of the data center market in Osaka
The data center market in Osaka is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the demand for cloud infrastructure and large-scale AI deployments. According to Structure Research, the capacity for colocation in Osaka is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18%, increasing from 366 MW in 2024 to 970 MW in 2030.
Why Osaka?
✔ Strategic location: Its central position in Japan makes it a key point for data center deployment.
✔ Alternative to Tokyo: Osaka complements the infrastructure capacity deployed in the Japanese capital.
✔ Growing hyperscale demand: The city is establishing itself as an independent cloud and AI region.
According to Jabez Tan, Research Director at Structure Research, Osaka is emerging as an ideal destination for hyperscalers and companies seeking to install servers to serve a large base of Japanese users.
Leadership and sustainability: pillars of the EdgeConneX project
To solidify its presence in Japan, EdgeConneX has appointed Masahiko Inoue as Country Director, who will lead the expansion strategy and the development of key partnerships for real estate and energy procurement.
The Osaka-Kioto project aligns with EdgeConneX’s mission to build and operate sustainable data centers that meet the specific needs of its clients. The company, backed by EQT Infrastructure, has demonstrated its capability with over 80 data centers built and under development worldwide.
With this expansion, EdgeConneX enhances its position as a global leader in data centers, offering customized solutions and meeting the growing demand for digital infrastructure in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region.
via: EdgeConneX