With a second factory planned, TSMC's Japanese expansion could transform Kumamoto into a semiconductor manufacturing hub — and its impact is already evident.
Around 10,000 visitors, with 20% being high school students, attended the semiconductor exhibition in Kumamoto where Taiwan's TSMC opened a factory in February.
A Taiwanese university is training Japanese and other students in the field as TSMC, the world's largest manufacturer of semiconductors, brings jobs to Japan.
Two TSMC factories are being built in Kumamoto. These will encourage the industry and help improve supply chain resilience vital to Japan's economic security.
METI Minister Nishimura will also advance proposals for deeper cooperation between Japan and India on startups and clean energy on a trip to the subcontinent.
According to Chairman Tetsuro Higashi of Rapidus Corporation, the chip venture intends to begin mass production of next-generation logic semiconductors in 2027.
Given the vital role of semiconductor technology and the escalating geopolitical tensions involving Taiwan, local production has never been more critical.
Manufacturers of power semiconductors are pumping investments into increased production as the market grows exponentially, piggybacking on decarbonization.
China itself is the one abusing the global supply chain in its quest for hegemony. Effectively enforcing semiconductor rules is necessary for economic security.
Japanese researchers have discovered that a coffee compound boosts the conductivity of organic semiconductors. Could it be time for Japan to make a comeback?
Establishing a trilateral economic security dialogue on supply chains in the Japan-US-South Korea summit talks impacts semiconductors, a priority of China.
The government and the private sector are investing in a new semiconductor company to regain Japan's lead in the global market.
