Jensen Huang Meets with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba: AI Development Requires Energy Supply
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang met with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on April 21, stating, “If Japan wants to play a key role in the AI era, it must expand its electricity supply and build infrastructure.” This highlights the real pressure facing countries globally in pursuing technological breakthroughs while ensuring their energy foundations can keep pace.
Huang’s Visit to Ishiba: AI Development Requires Electricity
According to Bloomberg, Huang, dressed in a suit and having set aside his signature sweater, personally visited Prime Minister Ishiba on April 21. After the meeting, he told the media:
“Japan is already strong in robotics and manufacturing, but to stand out in the global AI competition, it must expand its infrastructure to bridge the energy gap.”
Japan Faces Dilemma: AI or Nuclear Energy?
Japan, a country with relatively scarce energy resources, is currently facing a dilemma:
- Surge in Data Center Power Demand: The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that AI-driven data centers and cooling systems (like air conditioning) will lead to a significant increase in electricity demand.
- Restarting Nuclear Power or Importing Expensive Fossil Fuels: After the Fukushima nuclear disaster, most of Japan’s nuclear power plants remain shut down. Ishiba indicated that the government is also considering investing in the $44 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Alaska as part of negotiations with President Trump.
This context makes Huang’s remarks not just commercial considerations, but also a direct critique of Japan’s energy policy.
AI Transforming Industries: Underlying Energy Challenges
Huang emphasized that AI is not only transforming the tech industry but is also leading to comprehensive transformations across healthcare, manufacturing, education, and agriculture. However, he cautioned that sufficient electricity is necessary to support the massive computational and cooling demands. If energy supply cannot keep up, AI development will be hindered.
Meeting Amid Intensifying US-China Tech War: NVIDIA Faces Restrictions in China
This trip to Japan is also linked to geopolitical factors. Huang had just returned from Beijing when he faced a new ban from President Trump:
- Prohibition on NVIDIA selling H20 AI chips to China
NVIDIA has warned of a potential $5.5 billion asset loss, forcing the company to accelerate its plans in other markets, with Japan seen as the next critical strategic point.
AI is the Future, but Energy Issues Persist
Huang’s visit reveals a core issue: the AI revolution requires not only chips but also substantial electricity support. Facing energy bottlenecks and political pressures, if Japan wishes to play a leading role in the global AI landscape, it must first address the fundamental question of “Is there enough electricity?”
However, Japan continues to grapple with the shadow of the Fukushima disaster, resulting in significant political and public resistance to the restart of nuclear power. For Japan, the key to determining whether AI development can be realized lies in balancing “public opinion” with “energy realities.”
(NVIDIA H20 Chip Restricted from Exporting to China by the US! Estimated Loss of $5.5 Billion, Dropped 6.3% in After-Hours Trading)
Risk Warning
Investing in cryptocurrencies carries high risks, and their prices may fluctuate dramatically, potentially leading to a total loss of principal. Please assess risks cautiously.