Rapidus' next-generation semiconductor factory IIM-1 in Chitose City, Hokkaido. July 18. (©Sankei by Takahiro Sakamoto)
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This is the first in a two-part series.
Read Part Two
In the 1980's, Japan was synonymous with semiconductor excellence. Japanese companies once dominated global memory markets, pioneered advanced materials, and supplied critical manufacturing equipment to chipmakers around the world. While the center of gravity in semiconductor manufacturing later shifted elsewhere, Japan never lost its technological foundation.
Today, the country is making a determined return to the leading edge of semiconductor manufacturing. At the center of this effort stands Rapidus, a project that represents not merely a new company, but a national commitment to technological innovation, supply chain resilience, and international partnership.
Rapidus was established in 2022 with the support of eight major Japanese corporations, including Toyota, Sony, NTT, SoftBank, NEC, Denso, Kioxia, and Mitsubishi UFJ Bank. It is based on a fundamental reality: semiconductors have become the strategic infrastructure of AI and the digital age.
Artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, robotics, and next-generation communications all depend on increasingly sophisticated chips. As demand for advanced semiconductors grows exponentially, the world requires a more diverse, resilient, and trusted supply chain.
This is where Rapidus enters the picture.
Unlike traditional semiconductor projects that seek to compete in mature technologies, Rapidus was created with a bold objective: to manufacture 2-nanometer logic semiconductors in Japan, provide advanced chiplet solutions and to become a key partner for customers seeking cutting-edge chips.
Three Competitive Advantages
The company's strategy is built upon three pillars.
First, Rapidus benefits from Japan's unparalleled industrial ecosystem. The country remains a global leader in semiconductor materials, manufacturing equipment, precision machinery, chemicals, and advanced components. A certain share of the world's semiconductor production still depends on Japanese suppliers. Rapidus is uniquely positioned to benefit from close collaboration with this domestic ecosystem.
Second, Rapidus is developing its technology through international cooperation. Its strategic partnership with IBM provides access to advanced process technologies. In addition, the company is collaborating with research institutions in Europe and A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research) in Singapore, building a global R&D network.
Rather than attempting to reinvent everything independently, Rapidus has adopted a pragmatic approach based on collaboration with leading global partners and innovators.
Third, the company is pursuing a manufacturing model designed for the AI era. Future customers will increasingly require rapid prototyping, shorter development cycles, and close collaboration between chip designers and manufacturers. Rapidus aims to offer a more agile approach to meet these customer needs which are not fully filled by existing suppliers.
Building Toward Mass Production
The progress achieved thus far has been remarkable.
Construction of the company's manufacturing facility, known as Innovative Integration for Manufacturing (IIM), is advancing in Chitose, Hokkaido. The site was selected for its stable infrastructure, abundant water resources, supportive local community, and strategic location.
Equipment installation is proceeding, engineering teams are being assembled, and the company continues to recruit talent from Japan and abroad. Pilot production has already begun ahead of mass production, creating a pathway toward advanced manufacturing capability within 2020's.
Skeptics often ask whether Japan can truly return to the semiconductor frontier. The better question is why Japan should not.
Japan possesses world-class engineering talent, political stability, strong intellectual property protection, reliable energy infrastructure, and deep expertise in advanced manufacturing. Moreover, Japan enjoys the trust of partners across the democratic world.
At a time when governments and corporations seek greater supply chain diversification, these strengths are becoming increasingly valuable.
The global semiconductor industry is entering a new phase. The objective is no longer simply maximizing efficiency. Resilience, security, reliability, and geopolitical stability have become equally important.
A Partner Across Regions
Rapidus addresses all of these priorities.
For customers in ASEAN, Rapidus offers an opportunity to participate in a trusted semiconductor ecosystem that is geographically close and strategically aligned with the region's economic growth.
Southeast Asia is rapidly becoming a center for electronics manufacturing, data centers, and AI deployment. Access to advanced semiconductor production in Japan can strengthen this regional value chain. As an open foundry, Rapidus serves all customers and enables ASEAN companies to collaborate with a reliable manufacturing partner.
For customers in Europe, Rapidus provides another source of advanced semiconductor manufacturing within a network of like-minded partners committed to open markets and technological cooperation.
For customers in North America, Rapidus contributes to a broader and more resilient global supply chain that complements existing manufacturing capacity.
Innovation Through Partnerships
Most importantly, Rapidus is not pursuing isolation. Its vision is international from the outset.
The company seeks partnerships with chip designers, AI companies, automotive manufacturers, telecommunications firms, and emerging technology innovators worldwide. Its success will depend not only on Japanese capability but also on global collaboration.
The current semiconductor race is not merely a competition between nations. It is a shared effort to build the technological foundations of future prosperity.
Rapidus embodies Japan's determination to contribute to that future.
The story of Rapidus is ultimately not about recovering past glory. It is about creating new opportunities. It is about bringing together Japan's industrial strengths, international partnerships, and technological ambition to build the next generation of semiconductor manufacturing.
For companies seeking trusted partners, advanced technology, and long-term stability, Rapidus represents one of the most promising new opportunities in the global semiconductor landscape.
Japan is returning to the frontier—not alone, but together with partners around the world.
Author: Satoshi Nohara, Director-General, Commerce and Information Policy Bureau of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
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