Nanto City in Toyama Prefecture has approved the first phase of what is being envisioned as Japan’s largest data center cluster, a project that could eventually support up to 3.1 GW of capacity.
The city council voted to sell approximately 13.1 hectares of land to GigaStream Toyama K.K. for Phase 1 of the development, known as the “Nanto Campus.” The initial phase is designed to accommodate 400 MW of power and the project is structured as a public–private partnership between Nanto City and GigaStream Toyama K.K..
According to a press release, Nanto city was selected because it meets several criteria seen as essential for large-scale data center development. These include access to expandable power supply, the ability to source low-carbon and renewable energy, multiple telecommunications routes from different carriers, and sufficient developable land.
The area is also considered to have relatively low exposure to major natural hazards and is geographically separated from the seismic risks affecting Tokyo and Osaka. Nanto is located within three hours of both metropolitan areas and has independent rail, air, and communications links to Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. This configuration would allow data center operations to continue even during major events like a Nankai Trough earthquake.
Beyond digital infrastructure, local governments expect economic spillover effects. More than 10 local companies are already involved, and officials say the project could support job creation, skills development, and the growth of a regional industrial base in Toyama Prefecture over the long term.
Japan’s data center capacity is heavily concentrated in the Tokyo and Osaka metropolitan areas, which together account for roughly 85 percent of existing facilities. Policymakers and industry participants have long argued for the creation of a third major data center cluster to improve resilience and reduce concentration risk, particularly in the event of large-scale natural disasters.