SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son says nuclear fusion is likely to be a key energy source for powering the growing electricity demand from AI data centers. Speaking at SoftBank’s annual World event in Tokyo, Son argues that fusion offers a practical path forward in the coming years as AI expands. The comments are presented as part of his broader view that energy supply will become a limiting factor for AI deployment. Some coverage notes that Son has been critical of nuclear power after the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi accident involving Tokyo Electric Power Co., citing concerns shaped by the disaster. Despite that context, he now points to fusion—distinct from conventional nuclear fission—as the most realistic option for meeting future power requirements. Other reporting emphasizes that fusion faces significant technological and financial hurdles before it can become commercially viable, including the challenge of achieving reliable, scalable power generation. Overall, the sources align on Son’s thesis that fusion could support AI growth while also acknowledging that it is not yet a ready solution.