Across the vast archipelago of Japan there is a trend that is clearly growing in scale and scope. This is the semiconductor and deep tech series of international exhibitions.
While Japan has had an impressive footprint in semiconductor design and manufacturing since the 1980s, the recent collaboration that ties government entities, private corporations and universities together underscores a massive national effort. Of course, these shows are also a core venue for thought leaders to exchange ideas in this new semiconductor ecosystem. This well-coordinated effort started during the pandemic, in May 2021 to be specific, when 100 members of the Diet came together as a working group to build a foundation designed to usher in a new age of semiconductor leadership. The group, led by the ruling party’s then-Secretary-General Akira Amari, platformed ideas that became what we now know as the Strategy for Semiconductors and the Digital Industry. This government group, working hand in hand with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, has laid out a framework for Japan’s next step in leadership into the ever-changing world of semiconductors and related technologies.
Thought leaders and ideas
The Semicon Japan 2024 exhibition to be held in Tokyo from Dec. 11 to 13, will bring together thought leaders in the manufacturing supply chain for the latest ideas and insights. This event will showcase new trends and innovations as the semiconductor industry drives advances in medicine, manufacturing, robotics and the Internet of Things. Speakers from the Japanese government, global private-sector firms and even universities will be presenting. It is worth noting that a cultural strength that Japan has always exhibited is educational investment in the future. These events have a component for high-school and college-level programs that involve students — very Japanese.
“In the semiconductor industry there are more and more Ph.D.’s or doctorate degree graduates from top universities who are attracted to the opportunities offered by corporations and startup positions in Japan,” said Hiroshi Kawarada, a professor of Waseda University’s Department of Nano Science and Engineering.
Japan and new alliances
While there are many new paths of success that are related to artificial intelligence, we must keep in mind that Japan has strong deep-tech roots in place across the country. Auto manufacturing and robotics firms are well placed from Honshu to Kyushu, many of them near major cities. In some areas of the country, there are semiconductor manufacturing facilities, extant for decades, right near auto assembly lines — a system that at this level is unique to Japan. And it is this unique strength in manufacturing that has attracted European and U.S. market leaders to work with Japan as the new supply chain takes form.
“Given that the 2020 pandemic disrupted and reshaped global supply chains, especially in the semiconductor industry, countries like Switzerland and Japan should definitely explore diverse forms of cooperation across all areas of research, including quantum science, artificial intelligence, robotics, materials science and space exploration,” said Tom Clausen of IVP Global Capital. “However, this collaboration shouldn’t be limited to research alone; it must also extend to practical applications, with a focus on driving innovation through partnerships between established companies and also carried out by dynamic startups powered by entrepreneurial energy.”
Striving for leadership
As Japan moves toward a new age of technological leadership, it has become transparently obvious that as a nation, it sticks to its core strengths.
These strengths include basic materials, self-driving cars, robotics, image sensors and electric components. Combine Japan’s core strengths with global collaboration and we clearly see new synergies appearing in the semiconductor space. Japan, Taiwan, the United States and Europe are building alliances and collaborating while each presents to the group very unique strengths.
“Semiconductor manufacturing is a global business and the partnership between Switzerland and Japan could benefit Japanese OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) significantly, especially in the metrology and inspection area,” according to Hans Priem, vice president of business development at the VDL Enabling Technologies Group. “This Swiss-Japan coordination could benefit Japan, given the potential for enabling technologies that Swiss institutions possess.”
While many of us know Japan’s core strengths, events like Semicon Japan 2024 play an important role in showcasing and amplifying new discoveries from Japanese technology leaders. These events seem to grow in scale as the U.S., Europe and other countries in Asia recognize Japan’s willingness to collaborate on, and in some cases, lead, the development of the next generation of semiconductors and related services.
