japan semiconductor industry

Dutch semiconductor equipment giant ASML has announced plans to increase its workforce for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) chip tools in Japan by fivefold, a significant move aimed at bolstering its competitive edge in the global semiconductor industry.

In a groundbreaking development for the semiconductor industry, Japan’s Rapidus has successfully begun installing its first ASML EUV lithography machine, becoming the country’s first semiconductor company to adopt this cutting-edge technology. This milestone positions Japan as a serious contender in the global race for advanced chip manufacturing.

Mitsubishi Electric is reportedly in discussions with domestic competitors to establish a power semiconductor alliance, according to the company’s CEO, Kei Urushima, in an interview with Bloomberg. This move aims to enhance collaboration in producing these critical components, essential for driving various electronic devices globally.

On November 29, 2024, DENSO Corporation and Fuji Electric Co., Ltd. announced a joint investment of approximately ¥211.6 billion (around $1.4 billion) to enhance Japan's silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductor production capacity. This initiative has received approval from Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), which will provide up to ¥70.5 billion in subsidies to support the project.