Japan is competing for its “last chance” to become a major global chip maker

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  • Japan’s government said Friday it was investing nearly $500 million to boost semiconductor development and production as a “last chance” to maintain its position as a major player on the global technology stage.

The new company, Rapidus, which means “fast” in Latin, will work on next-generation or “post-5G” semiconductors, according to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

These advanced chips will enable smart devices and smart cities with fast sensors and transmissions. The component should be very thin – a fraction of the width of your hair.

The 70 billion yen ($490 million) effort will involve working closely with Japan’s main ally, the United States, to attract the “best and brightest” people from both countries, the ministry said. said in a statement.

He said that now is “the last chance for Japan to stay in the industry.”

Japan has long prided itself on being a tech powerhouse, including in chip production, but on Friday Japan’s foreign ministry said it was a decade behind global competition that included the United States, South Korea, Taiwan and some European nations.

The recent lockdown in China related to the coronavirus pandemic has exposed Japan’s dependence on other countries for computer chips and other key components.

Analysts say the uncertain future of U.S.-China relations, which could jeopardize supplies from China, is fueling growing concerns.

However, migration takes time. The ministry said Japan aims to mass produce the chips in the late 2020s or within a few years. Automaker Toyota, electronics maker Sony Group, NEC, Softbank, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone, Denso, and Kioxia have joined his Rapidus.

In addition to subsidies from the Japanese government, each company has invested 1 billion yen (US$7 million). An eighth company, MUFG Bank, has invested 300 million yen (US$2 million) in Rapidus.

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