Kansai emerges as key data center hub as other regions vie for share

JIJI

Oct 29, 2026

As the growing adoption of artificial intelligence drives data center construction across Japan, the Kansai region is emerging as a prime location for new projects.

With more than 60% of the country’s data centers currently concentrated in the Tokyo metropolitan area, facilities in Kansai are expected to serve as a backup in the event of a disaster near the capital. They also offer low network latency, or delays in data transmission, thanks to their proximity to urban centers.

Optage, a subsidiary of Kansai Electric Power based in the city of Osaka, began operations at its Sonezaki Data Center, about a 10-minute walk from Osaka Station, in January.

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