Kioxia maintains its independence while remaining deeply connected to semiconductor companies worldwide through capital and manufacturing ties, and is pursuing a shift toward high-capacity storage suited to the AI era. Through analysis by a former editor-in-chief, the article reveals the sources of Kioxia's strength that are difficult to discern from domestic Japanese reporting alone.
Although this has not been adequately conveyed in Japanese media, Kioxia is deeply connected to semiconductor companies worldwide through capital and manufacturing ties, and is shifting its strategy toward the high-value-added, high-capacity storage market while maintaining its independence by sharing manufacturing facilities with US companies.
One factor behind the company's strength is its relationship with SK Hynix, a major South Korean semiconductor manufacturer. SK Hynix provides funding through convertible bonds without directly holding shares, while securing rights that could bring it closer to shareholder status in the future.