Google Invests in Sakana AI to Strengthen Gemini in Japan

Jan 26, 2026
Google has invested in Japanese startup Sakana AI to expand the reach of its Gemini chatbot in Japan. The deal allows Sakana to use Alphabet’s language models to develop products and improve reliability in key services.

Google has invested in Japanese startup Sakana AI to expand the reach of its chatbot Gemini in Japan, reports Bloomberg. The move adds Google to Sakana’s list of backers following a $135 million Series B round last year that valued the company at about $2.6 billion.

The investment gives Sakana access to Alphabet’s language models for developing AI products and enhancing performance in critical services. Sakana’s CEO David Ha, formerly of Google Brain, said the collaboration will help improve the quality of its products by leveraging Google’s foundation models.

Sakana, founded in 2023, has gained traction in Japan’s finance sector with clients including MUFG Bank and Daiwa Securities. The company also plans to work more closely with Japan’s Defense Ministry and other government agencies, and may seek additional funding as it expands into new sectors.

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