DigitalBridge and JEXI Launch Japan Gateway Infrastructure Data Center Platform, Acquiring NEC Corporation Portfolio

DigitalBridge Group, Inc. (NYSE: DBRG) and Japan Extensive Infrastructure Co., Ltd. (JEXI) announced July 1, 2026, the formation of Nippon Gateway Infrastructure (NGI), a new data center platform designed to serve the digital infrastructure needs of enterprises operating in Japan. The platform launches with a seed portfolio of data center assets acquired from NEC Corporation, with NEC remaining a major anchor customer.

Platform Seeded by NEC Corporation Data Center Portfolio

NGI's initial portfolio consists of data center assets in the Greater Tokyo (Kanto) and Kansai regions. NEC Corporation, which sold the assets to NGI, is expected to continue as a primary tenant of the platform. Financial terms of the asset acquisition, including purchase price, cap rate, and financing structure, were not disclosed.

The platform's growth strategy combines acquisitions, expansion of existing facilities, and selective greenfield development. NGI said it aims to become a representative data center platform in Japan by delivering services focused on safety, reliability, and scalability for domestic enterprise customers.

DigitalBridge and JEXI as Capital Partners

DigitalBridge, a global alternatives manager focused on digital infrastructure, is acting as a capital partner in the venture through its affiliated entities. The firm manages infrastructure assets across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, with a portfolio spanning data centers, towers, fiber, small cells, and edge infrastructure.

JEXI, an infrastructure investment advisory firm within the Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group, is co-sponsoring the platform. JEXI describes its role as extending beyond capital provision to encompass business creation and growth support under what it calls an "ALL JAPAN" philosophy — connecting domestic and international investor capital with Japanese infrastructure operators and projects.

"The establishment of NGI embodies DigitalBridge's strategy of building and growing digital infrastructure platforms alongside an outstanding management team and strategic partners," said Justin Chang, Managing Director and Head of Asia at DigitalBridge. "With a foundation of high-quality data center assets, an experienced management team led by Ogasawara and Hoshino, and a pipeline of attractive growth opportunities, NGI is well positioned to grow into a representative data center platform in Japan."

JEXI's Representative Director and CIO stated: "We are very pleased to be able to advance initiatives to address the increasing digital infrastructure demand in Japan through the establishment of NGI and our partnership with its outstanding management team. As a member of the Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group, JEXI supports the creation of sustainable value in the digital infrastructure sector from the perspective of 'industrial finance,' which encompasses not only capital provision but also business creation and growth support."

NGI Leadership Team

NGI has appointed Hiroshi Ogasawara as President and CEO. Ogasawara brings experience in technology services and digital infrastructure, having previously held roles as an executive officer at SCSK Corporation, as Representative Director and President of SCSK NEC Data Center Management Co., Ltd., and as a Managing Executive Officer at AT TOKYO Corporation.

Masato Hoshino has been named Vice President and COO. Hoshino has more than 20 years of leadership experience in telecommunications and digital infrastructure, including serving as Head of Asia at Colt Technology Services.

Yoshiaki Fujimori has joined as Chairman of the Board. Fujimori currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors at Oracle Japan and brings more than 40 years of corporate leadership experience in Japanese industry.

NGI's President and CEO Ogasawara said: "NGI aims to become a representative data center platform in Japan. In response to the growing needs of our customers, we will provide digital infrastructure with excellent safety, reliability, and scalability. Going forward, we will pursue growth through strategic M&A, expansion of existing facilities, and selective greenfield development, while building long-term partnerships with customers and achieving the highest level of operational quality."

Sources

DigitalBridge – NGI Launch Announcement (July 1, 2026)