Japan is making a big move in the global semiconductor market. It announced a big investment in Micron Technology’s new DRAM plant in Hiroshima. This initiative will change chip production. It will focus on AI, data centers, and high-performance computing.
Strategic Investment in Hiroshima
On September 12, 2025, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) gave a subsidy of up to ¥536 billion, roughly US$ 3.63 billion. This funding will help support Micron’s advanced DRAM plant in Hiroshima. This investment will boost the creation of advanced memory chips. These chips will feature high-bandwidth memory (HBM).
Micron plans to invest about ¥1.5 trillion (around US$ 9.09 billion) in its Hiroshima site. The goal is to start mass production of 1-gamma (1γ) DRAM chips by the end of 2027. This facility will use EUV technology. It’s the first of its kind in Japan. This move helps Japan address the rising demand for advanced memory solutions in AI and data-heavy applications.
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Implications for Japan’s Tech Industry
This investment shows Japan’s promise to boost its semiconductor industry. This sector has dropped in global market share in recent decades. Japan partners with Micron to boost its own manufacturing. This move will help lower reliance on foreign suppliers for key technologies.
The Hiroshima plant is set to create thousands of jobs. This includes jobs directly at the facility and more from the expanded supply chain. The rise in R&D activities will boost innovation and technology. This could lead to new applications and industries.
Broader Economic and Geopolitical Impact
Japan will invest ¥10 trillion (US$ 67 billion) in its semiconductor industry by 2030. This plan builds local and global partnerships. It also pushes for key tech advancements and improves supply chains. These efforts aim to reduce global uncertainties. The Hiroshima semiconductor plant gets a major boost from this investment. It helps drive its growth and development.
Japan uses this project to balance China’s rising power in semiconductor manufacturing. The country will boost its advanced chip production significantly. This move will boost its global tech role and diversify the semiconductor supply chain.
Conclusion
Japan’s investment in Micron’s Hiroshima DRAM plant helps it return to the global semiconductor market. Japan will boost tech and economic growth by teaming up with Micron. This move will also boost its geopolitical influence. This move made Japan a key player in chip manufacturing.
Tech companies must tap into local and diverse supply chains to enter the booming semiconductor market. Rethinking sourcing strategies helps companies form valuable partnerships with Japanese firms. This can open new doors for growth and success.