The semiconductor alliance between Japan and Taiwan is growing even stronger.
A research hub for joint development of next-generation semiconductor technology by Japanese and Taiwanese companies is set to be established in Kumamoto, the production base of Taiwan's TSMC in Japan.
According to the Nikkei, Japan's Mitsui Fudosan plans to establish the Physical AI and Semiconductor Technology Center, or PASTEC, in Kumamoto Prefecture.
The center will be located within the Kumamoto Science Park, which is scheduled for completion in 2030.
Japanese semiconductor equipment and materials companies, universities, as well as Taiwanese companies and research institutions, will participate in building a shared clean room. They plan to jointly develop assembly and packaging technologies for physical AI semiconductors used in automobiles and robots.
In particular, plans are also being pursued to produce prototypes utilizing AI semiconductors manufactured at TSMC's Kumamoto plant.
TSMC plans to mass-produce advanced semiconductors used for AI and automobiles starting in 2028 at its second Kumamoto plant.
While semiconductor cooperation between Japan and Taiwan has thus far been closer to a production alliance centered on attracting TSMC plants, it is now expanding into a technology alliance that encompasses research and development and prototype manufacturing.
The strengths of both countries also complement each other.
Taiwan boasts global competitiveness in advanced semiconductor production and packaging technology centered around TSMC, while Japan possesses world-class semiconductor equipment and material companies such as Tokyo Electron and Shin-Etsu Chemical.
In addition, Kyushu, where Kumamoto is located, is densely packed with production bases related to automobiles and industrial robots, such as Yaskawa Electric and Toyota Motor.
This creates an advantageous environment for developing semiconductors and then applying them directly to automobiles and robots to verify their performance.
The new research hub is expected to focus particularly on developing assembly technologies that can secure the performance required for automobiles and robots while lowering costs compared to AI semiconductors used in data centers.
Given that the Japanese government is pouring massive funds into fostering the semiconductor industry, this also holds significant meaning in terms of economic security.
Japan aims to secure not only production but also research and development functions within its borders to maintain an advanced semiconductor supply chain even in the event of a contingency involving Taiwan.
Taiwan can also diversify its geopolitical risks while utilizing Japan's equipment and materials technology and solid manufacturing base.
Observers note that the semiconductor cooperation between Japan and Taiwan, which began with attracting the TSMC plant, is expanding beyond production into the joint development of next-generation AI semiconductors.
Reported by Kim Minjeong | Video by Kim Naon | Graphics by Lee Jung-ju | Produced by SBS Digital News
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