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SoftBank

SoftBank is a Japanese multinational technology and investment group headquartered in Tokyo.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

SoftBank is a Japanese multinational technology and investment group headquartered in Minato, Tokyo. It is best known as the parent company of SoftBank Group Corp. and its telecommunications subsidiary SoftBank Corp., with major interests in telecommunications, internet services, artificial intelligence, and technology investment.

Overview

SoftBank refers most commonly to SoftBank Group Corp., a Tokyo-based holding company with investments in technology and communications. It also refers to SoftBank Corp., the group’s core telecommunications business in Japan.

History

The group was founded in 1981 by Masayoshi Son and initially operated as a software distributor before expanding into telecommunications and large-scale technology investment. Over time, it became associated with major investments in emerging technology companies and platforms.

Business operations

SoftBank Group’s activities include investment management and ownership of businesses in telecommunications, digital services, payments, and technology infrastructure. SoftBank Corp. operates in five main business areas: Consumer, Enterprise, Distribution, Media & EC, and Financial.

Corporate structure

SoftBank Group Corp. is the parent company, while SoftBank Corp. is a subsidiary focused on telecom and IT services. The group’s reported structure also includes major holdings such as Arm and the SoftBank Vision Funds.

Key facts

  • SoftBank Group Corp. is a Japanese multinational investment holding company headquartered in Minato, Tokyo.
  • The group focuses on technology-related investments and has interests in telecommunications, internet services, software, and artificial intelligence.
  • SoftBank Corp. is the group’s telecommunications subsidiary providing mobile and fixed-line services in Japan.
  • The group was founded in 1981 by Masayoshi Son and has grown from a software distributor into a major technology-focused investment firm.
  • SoftBank Corp. reports five main business areas: Consumer, Enterprise, Distribution, Media & EC, and Financial.
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Canadian context

SoftBank is relevant to Canadian readers mainly through its global technology investments, international telecommunications operations, and ownership stakes in major companies that can affect markets and the broader tech sector.

Frequently asked questions

What is SoftBank?
SoftBank is a Japanese technology and investment group best known as the parent of SoftBank Group Corp. and SoftBank Corp.
Is SoftBank a telecom company or an investment company?
It is both: SoftBank Group is primarily an investment holding company, while SoftBank Corp. is its telecommunications subsidiary.
Who founded SoftBank?
SoftBank was founded by Masayoshi Son in 1981.
Where is SoftBank headquartered?
SoftBank Group is headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan.
What does SoftBank Corp. do?
SoftBank Corp. provides mobile communications, fixed-line telecommunications, mobile device sales, and ISP services in Japan.
What are SoftBank’s main business areas?
SoftBank Corp. reports five main business areas: Consumer, Enterprise, Distribution, Media & EC, and Financial.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoftBank_Group
    Supports: SoftBank Group identity, headquarters, and relationship to SoftBank Corp.
  2. SoftBank Corp.https://www.softbank.jp/en/corp/set/data/ir/documents/presentations/fy2025/investors/pdf/sbkk_investors_presentation_supplement_20260511_en.pdf
    Supports: SoftBank Corp. founding date and business description
  3. SoftBankhttps://www.softbank.jp/en/corp/
    Supports: Company overview, scale, employees, and business information
  4. SoftBankhttps://www.softbank.jp/en/corp/aboutus/business/
    Supports: SoftBank Corp. business segments and service lines
  5. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/money/SoftBank-Group
    Supports: Founding date, founder, headquarters, and historical development
  6. SoftBank Corp.https://www.softbank.jp/en/corp/set/data/ir/documents/integrated_reports/pdf/sbkk_integrated_report_2025_01_en.pdf
    Supports: SoftBank Corp. public listing, segment structure, and subsidiary context