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In chip renaissance, Japan is learning from past mistakes
Japan is experiencing a semiconductor renaissance, led by JASM, a partnership among TSMC, Sony, Denso, and Toyota, which has started production in Kumamoto. Plans for a second factory are underway. Rapidus, aiming to produce 2-nanometer chips, has launched with IBM and Imec, currently building a facility in Hokkaido. This marks a significant comeback for Japan in semiconductor manufacturing.
Key points
- Japan has begun a semiconductor renaissance focused on revitalizing its manufacturing capabilities.
- JASM, a joint venture involving TSMC, Sony, Denso, and Toyota, commenced production at its first fab plant in Kumamoto.
- The success of the first factory has led to plans for a second facility in the same region, establishing it as a semiconductor hub.
- Rapidus is a new foundry collaborating with IBM and Imec to produce advanced 2-nanometer semiconductors.
- A new Rapidus facility is currently under construction in Hokkaido, enhancing Japan's position in cutting-edge technology.
Why it matters
- Japan's focus on semiconductor manufacturing aligns with the global shift towards localizing and securing chip production due to past dependency on foreign supplies.
- This resurgence may be seen as a response to global semiconductor shortages and geopolitical tensions affecting supply chains.
- The importance of advanced semiconductor technology is underscored by ongoing trends in AI, IoT, and 5G, which demand increasingly sophisticated chips.
Japan's charge towards semiconductor independence signifies a critical pivot in global tech manufacturing dynamics, likely influencing future developments in advanced technologies and global supply chains.