Twenty years ago, Japan was one of the leaders in the semiconductor industry, but over time it lost its leading position in the market due to the rapid increase in competition. Now, a few of the nation’s tech companies are teaming up to regain the lead.

what is known

• A new company will be established for the development and production of next-generation semiconductors Sony, Toyota, NTT, SoftBank, Kioxia, NEC and other Japanese companies in cooperation with the country’s government. In total, the eight largest Japanese technology firms and automakers will participate in the project from the Japanese side.
• The main task of the Rapidus brand will be development 2 nanometer microchips, It will support 5G, searching for new technological solutions, quantum technologies, creation data centers, autonomous vehicles and digital smart cities. Interact with American firms from the same field. For example, one of the partners described is IBM.
• Production of next-generation semiconductors is planned to begin by 2027 at the latest.
• In the first stage, the volume of investments is at least 7 billion yen ($47 million at current exchange rates). In addition, the government will support the project with subsidies – the country will allocate 70 billion yen (500 million dollars).

Strengthening cooperation between the USA and Japan in the development and production of microcircuits is connected with the desire. strengthen supply chains and ensuring economic security in the face of a global chip shortage. Also, the parties Fear of worsening situation around TaiwanIt is where nearly 90% of the world’s manufacturing capacities are concentrated in high-tech semiconductors in categories 10 nanometers and below.