Mikitani Justifies Mobile Arm Losses with Big AI Bet

The transcript discusses the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in Rakuten's business strategy, emphasizing the importance of efficient AI utilization. It compares AI's impact on e-commerce, highlighting Rakuten's development of its own search capabilities. The transcript differentiates between strong and weak AI, noting Rakuten's focus on specialized AI. It also covers Rakuten's AI development, including partnerships with OpenAI, and addresses AI's energy consumption, with plans to reduce electricity use. Finally, it touches on semiconductor partnerships and Rakuten's platform-agnostic approach.

What is Rakuten's approach to AI development?

• Using only third-party AI models

• Focusing solely on generative AI

• Competing directly with OpenAI and Google

• Building vertically integrated specialized AI

How does Rakuten plan to address the energy consumption of AI?

• By building more data centers

• By partnering exclusively with Softbank

• By reducing electricity consumption by 20% by 2025

• By increasing GPU usage

What is Rakuten's strategy regarding semiconductor partnerships?

• Focusing only on ARM architecture

• Owning semiconductor companies

• Being platform agnostic and partnering with various companies

• Avoiding any semiconductor partnerships

What is the primary focus of Rakuten's business?

• Utilizing data to enhance consumer experiences

• Competing with Google in search technology

• Developing only mobile network technology

• Owning semiconductor companies

What distinguishes Rakuten's mobile network technology?

• It is similar to other carriers

• It is fundamentally different and disruptive

• It relies solely on third-party technology

• It is not a focus for Rakuten