Unveiling the Rise of Mythos-Like AI Models in Asian Startup Scene

Asian AI Firms Launch New Models Amid US Export Controls

Recently, Chinese cybersecurity firm 360 introduced Tulongfeng, an AI tool positioned as a competitor to Anthropic’s Mythos, a powerful cybersecurity-focused AI model currently banned by the Trump Administration. This ban also extends to its restricted version, Fable 5, preventing non-Americans from accessing it.

Similarly, Tokyo-based AI startup Sakana AI unveiled Fugu, an AI model named after the Japanese word for blowfish. Sakana AI claims that Fugu rivals top models like Anthropic’s Fable 5 and Mythos Preview and is designed to facilitate access to other models through APIs.

These launches come in the midst of the ongoing US government ban on Anthropic’s AI models, which restricts global access to Mythos and Fable. Despite claims of coincidental timing, Sakana AI’s spokesperson highlighted the strategic release of Fugu, emphasizing its frontier capability while circumventing export controls.

Sakana AI, founded in 2023 by former Google researchers Ren Ito, Llion Jones, and David Ha, specializes in developing affordable generative AI models tailored for the Japanese market. While targeting Japanese businesses and government agencies with Fugu, the company remains open to utilizing US AI models in Asia.

Ren Ito, co-founder of Sakana, emphasized the importance of maintaining access to US models in Asia, advocating for collaborative development and access to AI technologies among nations.

David Ha, CEO of Sakana, described Fugu as an orchestration model designed to coordinate agent usage across multiple AI models, surpassing the limitations of individual providers. He highlighted the need for collective intelligence as a safeguard against sudden disruptions in model access.

Conversely, Chinese firm 360 introduced two AI security tools, Tulongfeng for identifying software vulnerabilities and Yitianzhen for automating cyber defense and incident response. Founder Zhou Hongyi emphasized the strategic significance of vulnerability-detection AI as a national asset, warning against asymmetrical access to advanced capabilities.

360’s product launch signals a proactive stance in the cybersecurity space, addressing the need for automated security solutions in the face of evolving cyber threats.

Anthropic, a leading US AI lab, experienced significant growth with reported revenues exceeding $47 billion in May 2026. The impact of the export ban on its Asian clientele remains undisclosed, but emerging alternatives from Asian firms like Sakana AI and 360 indicate a shifting landscape in AI adoption.

As US companies navigate export restrictions, local AI alternatives are gaining traction, offering tailored solutions for regional markets. The competitive dynamics in the AI industry are evolving, with a focus on localization and strategic partnerships.

Despite inquiries, 360 did not provide a comment on its recent product launch and strategic positioning in the AI market.