By Japan’s recently appointed industry minister reaffirmed the country’s commitment to bolstering its semiconductor manufacturing sector. Emphasizing the swift decision-making and implementation that facilitated initiatives like supporting Taiwan’s TSMC and the startup Rapidus, Minister Ken Saito assured continuity in fostering these endeavors.
Acknowledging his predecessor’s strides in expediting processes, Saito aimed to build upon that momentum. His appointment by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida came amidst a cabinet reshuffle aimed at addressing a financial scandal’s fallout.
The government’s strategy to revive Japan’s semiconductor prowess involves substantial financial backing for ventures like Rapidus, led by seasoned chip industry experts and striving to mass-produce 2-nanometre logic chips.
TSMC, a global chip manufacturing leader, regards Japan as an accommodating partner due to its subsidy policies and is contemplating further expansion within Japan, beyond its initial fabrication facility, according to Reuters.
Saito stressed the ongoing importance of supporting Rapidus while indicating active discussions with TSMC for future collaborations. However, he underscored the need for a balanced approach, insisting on vigilant monitoring of progress and the necessity for continued backing, rather than blindly perpetuating support.
