Photo shows an opening ceremony of new facilities of Rapidus Corp. in Hokkaido on April 11, 2026, attended by Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Ryosei Akazawa (C), Rapidus Chairman Tetsuro Higashi (2nd from R) and Rapidus CEO Atsuyoshi Koike (far R). (Kyodo)
TOKYO (Kyodo) — The Japanese government on Saturday approved the disbursement of an additional 631.5 billion yen ($4 billion) to state-backed Rapidus Corp. for its research and development of advanced chips, as the country seeks to ensure stable supplies of semiconductors.
The latest assistance for fiscal 2026 through next March brings the total extended to Rapidus for development purposes to 2.35 trillion yen, according to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Japan wants to boost domestic chip production and guard against external shocks and risks, such as the recent flare-up in Sino-Japanese tensions. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has underlined the need to step up investment in areas critical for national security.
Established in 2022, Rapidus has secured funding from both the public and private sectors. It is aiming to mass-produce advanced chips using 2-nanometer technology in the second half of fiscal 2027.
The industry ministry also decided to extend financial support to Fujitsu Ltd. and IBM Japan Ltd., with an eye to them outsourcing production of their energy-efficient AI chips to Rapidus.
AloJapan.com