May 2025 was a landmark month for technology, with AI agents entering practical use, next-generation communication infrastructure taking shape, and serious responses to energy challenges. This article summarizes the key developments.
The Year of AI Agents
The most notable trend in May 2025 was the practical deployment of AI agents. Unlike traditional chatbots that only respond to questions, AI agents can autonomously execute tasks. OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic all announced AI agent capabilities, with real-world deployments in customer support and data analysis.
In Japan, NTT released a business-specific version of its “tsuzumi” large language model, targeting finance and healthcare sectors.
Data Center Power Solutions
With AI training and inference demanding ever more electricity, May saw multiple tech companies announce nuclear power investments. Microsoft expanded its power purchase agreement with Three Mile Island nuclear plant. Google invested in Small Modular Reactor (SMR) development.
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry released a policy package promoting existing nuclear plant utilization and next-generation reactor development for AI data center power needs.
IOWN Commercialization Progress
NTT’s next-generation communication platform IOWN reached a key milestone in May 2025. NTT announced plans to begin offering IOWN-based services to corporate customers during fiscal 2025, with specific pricing plans published.
IOWN’s ultra-low latency (1/200th of conventional networks) and 100x capacity enable telemedicine, autonomous driving, and Expo 2025 Osaka demonstrations.
Smart Cities and Autonomous Driving
May marked significant progress in autonomous driving deployment. Tokyo launched regular Level 4 autonomous bus service in the Nihonbashi area. SoftBank and Monet Technologies announced plans for autonomous shuttle services in 20 cities nationwide.
Summary
May 2025 was a defining month when technologies moved from experimental to practical. AI agents, nuclear-powered data centers, IOWN commercialization, and autonomous driving deployments all signified this transition.