Rendering of the Rapidus Corp. plant
Semiconductor Investment Wave Lands in Japan’s North
Hokkaido attracts visitors from Japan and abroad with incredible natural beauty and renowned seafood. Today, a large-scale project to create a next-generation semiconductor ecosystem is underway here, focused on semiconductor investment through policy support and massive subsidies aiming to boost stable supply. With the announcement that Rapidus will be building a new manufacturing base in Chitose city, Hokkaido, the wave of investment continues to surge as Japan’s northernmost prefecture attracts major attention in the semiconductor industry.
We spoke with Yu Hayasaka, Assistant Director, Office of Next-Generation Semiconductor Strategy, Department of Economic Affairs, Hokkaido Government, about the prefecture’s potential and benefits for global investors. “We expect total investments in the Rapidus project to reach 32 billion USD (5 trillion JPY), with 6.4 billion USD (1 trillion JPY) already committed,” he details. “This marks only the beginning of many potential investments to come.”
Yu Hayasaka, Assistant Director, Office of Next-Generation Semiconductor Strategy, Department of Economic Affairs, Hokkaido Government
Hokkaido Attracting Large Numbers of New Investors
Extensive support from government and local governments has heightened expectations for a bright future in Japan’s north. Hayasaka adds, “Hokkaido has formulated the Hokkaido Semiconductor and Digital Industry Promotion Vision as a guiding strategy to ensure the success of this next-generation semiconductor project. It also outlines plans to share the project’s benefits across the entire prefecture. In alignment with this vision, we’re collaborating with related organizations to establish a concentrated semiconductor industry in Hokkaido, driving regional development and economic growth.”
When asked why Hokkaido is poised to lead Japan’s semiconductor industry, Hayasaka explains, “Hokkaido offers ideal conditions for semiconductor manufacturing with its abundant water resources, extensive industrial land and cool climate. The region is also Japan’s leader in renewable energy potential, including wind, solar and small and medium-scale hydroelectric power generation. These factors make Hokkaido highly attractive to investors.”
Semiconductor Ecosystem Expansion Through Foreign Capital
Hayasaka also notes, “International companies and research institutions are making their way to the region as well. ASML, a Dutch semiconductor equipment manufacturer, alongside Applied Materials and Lam Research, both leading U.S. semiconductor equipment manufacturers, have already established bases here. Additionally, Belgian R&D institute imec is also planning to open a base in Hokkaido.”
With new international partners arriving, Hokkaido is rapidly advancing as a comprehensive hub in the semiconductor industry. “Looking ahead, we envision a complex base for semiconductor production, research and human resource development that will accelerate Hokkaido’s semiconductor ecosystem,” Hayasaka details. “Through business matching with local companies and providing information at industry exhibitions, we’re working to attract domestic and international players, promoting the revitalization of Hokkaido’s economy.”
Through collaboration with the Hokkaido Government, JETRO Hokkaido offers powerful networking and business support resources for international companies and global investors in the semiconductor industry. Explore what we have to offer, and let us know how we can help!
AloJapan.com