Prime Minister Fumio Kishida recently visited the site of the Rapidus Corp. semiconductor factory in Chitose, Hokkaido, expressing strong support for the domestic production of next-generation chips. During his visit, Kishida stressed the need for continued investments in semiconductor and AI technology, highlighting the significance of boosting funding to facilitate the mass production of cutting-edge chips.
Kishida articulated the government's commitment to advancing legislation that would promote the mass production of state-of-the-art semiconductors with a line width of 2 nanometers. Additionally, he announced plans to submit bills promptly to support the production of these advanced chips, aiming to accelerate progress in this crucial area of technology. Rapidus Corp. is expected to complete prototypes of the cutting-edge semiconductors by 2025 and initiate mass production as early as 2027, contributing to technological innovation and economic development.
The government's decision to allocate up to 920 billion yen ($6.04 billion) toward the semiconductor project underscores its dedication to supporting and advancing domestic chip production. This financial commitment aligns with the government's broader economic policies, as outlined in the Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform approved by the Cabinet in June. The inclusion of legislative measures to back companies like Rapidus signifies a strategic approach to bolstering Japan's semiconductor industry and fostering technological advancements in the country.