Kyushu’s semiconductor industry is beginning to move toward a revival, with TSMC’s expansion into Japan and Sony’s activities at the center of attention. The article describes developments surrounding plans to establish a joint-venture fab and increased investment by companies in related industries.
Kyushu’s long-standing “Silicon Island” is now looking for opportunities to return to growth, prompted by TSMC’s expansion into Japan. Sony Group Chairman Yoshida Kenichiro (吉田憲一郎) expressed a positive view of establishing a fab in Kumamoto, after which media outlets including Nikkei and Bloomberg reported further developments.
Through JASM, a joint venture backed by Sony, Denso and Toyota Motor, TSMC announced plans to build its first fab in Kikuyo, Kumamoto Prefecture. The site is close to Sony’s image sensor plant, and the move is seen as aimed at expanding production and reducing supply risks.
The factors cited for choosing Kyushu include its water resources, electricity costs, workforce quality and geographic proximity. Sony in particular holds a leading share of the global image sensor market and is considered to play an important role as part of TSMC’s materials supply network.
Kyushu’s semiconductor industry once faced the threat of collapse, but Sony has created a path to renewed growth by advancing technology and capital investment in line with expanding demand for image sensors. TSMC’s expansion into the region is now stimulating investment by equipment and materials companies as well.
Against the backdrop of supply chain strengthening, companies including Fujifilm Holdings, TOTO and Ajinomoto are bringing forward investments in semiconductor materials and components. Kyushu is home to major equipment and materials facilities, and its role as an industrial cluster is being reorganized.