Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has approved a revised plan for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.'s (TSMC) second factory in Kumamoto. The facility will become Japan's first to mass-produce 3-nanometer chips, replacing the original plan to use 6nm to 12nm technology.
The shift responds to rising global demand for high-performance chips used in artificial intelligence applications and supports Japan's efforts to strengthen its role in the advanced semiconductor supply chain. First shipments from the new 3nm production line are anticipated by December 2028. The Japanese government has strongly supported TSMC's expansion in the country.