Japan is planning to implement new legislation to support the commercial production of advanced semiconductors, according to a draft of the country’s long-term economic policy plan obtained by Reuters.
The policy document, which is updated annually to reflect the administration’s priorities, is set to be finalised around 21 June.
The draft mentioned the need to strengthen Japan’s semiconductor supply chain by promoting domestic production facilities, developing human resources, and advancing research and development.
This effort will be pursued in collaboration with international partners who share similar objectives. The draft stressed the necessity of legislative measures to enable the mass production of next-generation semiconductors.
Last week, Japan’s industry ministry highlighted the need for a new regulatory framework to assist chip foundry venture Rapidus in commencing mass production of cutting-edge chips by 2027. Tokyo has committed up to 920 billion yen (USD 5.94 billion) in subsidies to Rapidus, primarily aimed at research and development. However, the government recognizes that additional frameworks, such as government guarantees, are essential to attract the necessary investment for large-scale production.
Rapidus, led by industry veterans, plans to initiate mass production in Hokkaido in partnership with IBM and Belgium-based research organisation Imec. The collaboration is expected to harness international expertise to advance Japan’s semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.
(Inputs from Reuters)
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