Honda invests in U.S. startup Mythic to co-develop a neuromorphic SoC inspired by the human brain. By combining analog compute-in-memory technology with Honda's AI expertise, this brain-like chip achieves both massive power savings and high AI performance—potentially transforming autonomous driving for next-generation software-defined vehicles.
TSMC upgrades its Kumamoto Fab 2 from 7nm to cutting-edge 3nm production, targeting mass production by 2028 with $17 billion investment. CEO C.C. Wei personally briefed Japan's PM Takaichi on the plan. We analyze what this means for Japan's semiconductor revival, AI infrastructure, and global chip supply chain diversification.
Ibiden, the dominant supplier of IC package substrates to NVIDIA and Intel, has announced a massive $3.2 billion investment plan over three years to boost production capacity 2.5x. Discover how this Japanese manufacturer in Gifu Prefecture is positioning itself as the backbone of the global AI infrastructure boom.
As TSMC exits GaN foundry services, Japan's Rohm acquires TSMC's technology license to manufacture 650V GaN power semiconductors in-house at its Hamamatsu factory. A deep dive into the next-generation power chips reshaping the AI and EV era.
Japan's semiconductor giant Renesas Electronics reported a ¥51.7 billion net loss for FY2025—its first red ink in six years. Triggered by Wolfspeed's bankruptcy causing a $1.6 billion write-down, sluggish automotive demand, and a slow pivot to AI chips, the results raise questions about Japan's semiconductor strategy. We analyze what went wrong and what comes next.
Japanese semiconductor equipment makers are expanding their global presence amid the AI chip boom. Tokyo Electron dominates coater/developers with 90%+ share, SCREEN leads wafer cleaning, and Advantest tops semiconductor testing. We analyze how Japanese firms leverage precision manufacturing to thrive in a market projected to reach $156 billion by 2027—and the challenges they face from US and European rivals.
Kyoto-based precision instrument maker HORIBA has acquired Indian startup Pristine Deeptech to accelerate diamond wafer commercialization. Diamond is called the "ultimate semiconductor material" with properties far surpassing silicon. Learn about HORIBA's strategy to build an R&D hub in India for next-generation power semiconductors and quantum sensors.
On February 3, 2026, the Nikkei 225 surged 2,065 yen to close at an all-time high of 54,720. We analyze the driving forces behind the 5th largest daily gain in history, including the semiconductor rally revival, US market momentum, yen weakness, and the "Takaichi Trade" ahead of snap elections.
A comprehensive look at SiC and GaN power semiconductor innovations reshaping the industry. From 8-inch wafer migration and vertical GaN breakthroughs to surging AI data center demand, explore Japan's role in the next-gen power revolution.
Discover how Japanese food giant Ajinomoto dominates the global semiconductor market with its ABF insulating material. Learn the surprising story of how amino acid manufacturing expertise became essential for cutting-edge CPU production.
Hiroshima University and Phenitec Semiconductor achieved the world's first SiC integrated circuit prototype production in a commercial fab. This revolutionary semiconductor technology operates at 500°C and under high radiation, enabling applications in extreme environments like Venus surface exploration and Fukushima nuclear decommissioning—expanding humanity's frontier through Japanese innovation.