JETRO dispatched a mission to Phoenix, Arizona, to study the semiconductor and data center sectors, visiting local data center facilities, universities and educational institutions, and Japanese-affiliated companies. The mission included 39 people from 29 companies and organizations, who examined environmental infrastructure and workforce development initiatives at each location.
JETRO dispatched a mission to Phoenix, Arizona, on 15–16 October 2026 to study the business environment for the semiconductor and data center industries. The mission included 39 people from 29 companies and organizations, including Japanese companies and public-sector institutions. Participants visited data center facilities, industrial technology research facilities at state universities, vocational training programs offered by local community colleges, and Japanese-affiliated companies to study the ecosystem.
On the first day, ACA and GPEC provided briefings on the state’s business and investment environment. Tadashi Kamewada (亀和田 忠司) of AZ Supply Chain Solutions explained that U.S. semiconductor-related sales were expected to reach ¥225 trillion in fiscal 2026 and had reached 95% of the previous year’s actual results as of July.
At a panel discussion with major companies operating manufacturing facilities in Arizona, participants cited the maturity of the ecosystem, the proximity of key players and the abundance of highly skilled personnel. At the conclusion of the mission, 12 cities introduced their investment environments. Participants then networked with state government officials and others at a reception.
On the second day, JBAA and JCCIAZ explained the living environment for expatriate employees and support for the activities of Japanese-affiliated companies. JCCIAZ outlined its support, including forums held at SEMICON West, while JBAA introduced improvements to the education environment, including the start of a Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology program to dispatch school principals from fiscal 2026. Participants visited Meta’s data center campus in Mesa, where expansion work is under way, and were introduced to workforce development initiatives at the ASU Polytechnic campus and Chandler-Gilbert CC.