Tokyo, June 1 -- The SoftBank Group has surpassed Toyota to become the most valuable company in Japan after the AI boom swept through the markets, lifting them to record highs.

Shares of the Masayoshi Son-led investment giant have climbed as much as 80 per cent this year, driven by the massive AI ambition of the group and the potential listing of its two portfolio companies, Chat GPT and SB Energy. SoftBank has crossed the market capitalisation of Y=46 trillion ($288 billion).

On the other hand, Toyota has fallen 10 per cent this year, taking the auto giant's valuation to less than Y=46 trillion (around $288 billion).

The feat achieved by the Japanese investing behemoth is emblematic of the frenzy around AI as stocks continue to draw c...