Government-backed Rapidus started pilot production of advanced chips in Hokkaido this week, taking Japan one step closer to its goal of a return to semiconductor-manufacturing leadership.

The company announced Tuesday that its plant near New Chitose Airport is ready for test production of next-generation 2-nanometer chips.

Rapidus aims to mass produce those semiconductors — which are vital for advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and autonomous driving — in 2027.