Japan is investing heavily in regaining its former status as a leading semiconductor nation by developing the world's most advanced microchips. The Japanese government has already allocated 1,000 billion yen to the state-backed company Rapidus, equivalent to approximately 48 billion kroner, which will produce two-nanometer semiconductors in the city of Chitose on the island of Hokkaido from 2027. This is reported by the Swiss newspaper Tages-Anzeiger.
Two weeks ago, it was also announced that the government would make an additional 802.5 billion yen available, equivalent to approximately 38 billion kroner, in addition to the original support. The total public investment thus amounts to approximately 86 billion kroner. kr.
The project is seen as a strategic counterweight to Chinese pressure on Taiwan, home to the world's largest chip manufacturer TSMC. Rapidus is to ensure that Japanese industry can access advanced chips in the future, even if the political situation in the region worsens.
Rapidus is backed by eight Japanese groups, including Toyota, Sony and Softbank. According to the plan, the new chip type will not be used in the general automotive industry, but will be targeted at advanced technology such as artificial intelligence.
- There is a sense of urgency, says Atsuyoshi Koike, CEO of Rapidus.
The city of Chitose was chosen as the location because of its infrastructure and vacant business areas. Local authorities have quickly expanded the water supply to meet the needs of the factory, which requires 4,000 cubic meters of water per day for prototype production alone.
In addition to the factory itself, Rapidus has also attracted new businesses to the city, and the population is expected to grow significantly over the next ten years.
However, several experts have questioned the economics behind the project. Critics warn that Japanese chips could end up being too expensive for the global mass market. According to economics professor Atsushi Osanai of Waseda University, Rapidus is trying to solve business problems with technological solutions, when in reality it requires a different type of strategy.
Semiconductors play a central role in the green transition and in technological development in general. They are used in electric cars, solar cells, PtX systems, smart grids, computers and data centers, where they ensure efficient control, energy savings and advanced data processing.
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