SoftBank Group Corp. is on the verge of becoming Japan's most valuable company, surpassing Toyota Motor Corp., as investor interest shifts towards artificial intelligence (AI) firms. On Monday, SoftBank's shares surged by up to 10% in Tokyo, driven by optimism surrounding its portfolio companies, OpenAI and SB Energy Corp., which are reportedly preparing for potential listings in the United States. This surge has led to an impressive 80% increase in SoftBank's stock value this year, elevating its market capitalization to over ¥46 trillion (approximately $288 billion). In contrast, Toyota's shares have seen a decline of more than 10% this year, resulting in a market value of around ¥45.8 trillion. This dramatic shift in market dynamics underscores the growing investor enthusiasm for AI-related companies, while the automotive sector grapples with macroeconomic challenges and geopolitical tensions. If SoftBank's gains persist, it will mark the first time in over two decades that it has surpassed Toyota, a feat previously achieved only briefly during the peak of Japan's internet bubble in 2000.