Summary: Japan's Rapidus project, targeting 2nm chip production by 2027, has received $25 billion in government backing as Japan seeks to regain leadership in advanced semiconductor manufacturing.
Japan's Semiconductor Comeback
Japan's Rapidus initiative, a government-backed consortium aiming to produce 2nm chips by 2027, has received cumulative government support of $25 billion. The project represents Japan's most ambitious effort to re-enter the leading-edge semiconductor manufacturing arena.
Rapidus has established partnerships with IBM for 2nm process technology and ASML for EUV lithography equipment. The consortium is building a state-of-the-art fab in Hokkaido, with pilot production targeted for 2025 and volume production by 2027.
The project's success could reshape the advanced semiconductor manufacturing landscape, which is currently dominated by TSMC and Samsung. It also creates new opportunities for equipment and materials suppliers across Asia.
