Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) has officially opened its first semiconductor plant in Japan on Saturday, marking a significant step in its global expansion. The company’s Chairman, Mark Liu, expressed gratitude to the Japanese government, local community, and business partners, including Sony and Denso, for their support.
The Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing (JASM) plant is scheduled to start operations later this year, with plans for a second plant in the Kumamoto region. The opening of the plant was hailed by Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida as a major milestone, emphasizing the importance of cutting-edge semiconductor technology and Japan’s friendly relations with Taiwan.
The strategic location of Japan, its status as a key US ally, and the need for chip self-sufficiency have made it an attractive option for TSMC.
The move is also crucial for Japan, which aims to revive its chip industry with a budget of USD 33 billion. The pandemic and chip supply disruptions have further highlighted the need for domestic chip production.
The TSMC plants in Japan are expected to create 3,400 high-tech jobs and meet the increasing demand for advanced chips in electric vehicles and artificial intelligence.
While Japan’s chip industry has faced challenges in recent years, it still holds expertise in crucial aspects of the sector.
China claims Taiwan, the self-governing island, as its own territory and says it must come under Beijing’s control. The long-running dispute is a flashpoint in US-China relations.