Several major Japanese corporations, including Sony Group and Mitsubishi Electric, have announced ambitious plans to collectively invest approximately USD 53-52 billion in semiconductor production by the end of this decade. This significant capital infusion, spanning from 2021 to 2029, underscores Japan's strategic recommitment to bolstering its semiconductor manufacturing capabilities amid global supply chain challenges.

According to a recent survey by Japan's Ministry of Finance, capital investments in the communications equipment sector, which includes semiconductor manufacturing, have surged by 30% over the past five years, reaching USD 2.2 billion in fiscal 2022. This increase highlights a concerted effort by Japanese chipmakers to regain competitiveness in a market where South Korean and Taiwanese firms have dominated in recent decades.

Sony, a key player in the semiconductor sector, has earmarked approximately USD 1.7 billion for investment between fiscal years 2021 and 2026. The company plans to expand its production capacity for image sensors, with new facilities established in Nagasaki and forthcoming plans for a plant in Kumamoto prefecture. Similarly, Toshiba is ramping up production of silicon power devices at its Ishikawa prefecture facility, while Rohm focuses on enhancing silicon carbide power device production in Miyazaki prefecture.

Mitsubishi Electric aims to quintuple its production capacity of silicon carbide power devices by fiscal 2026 compared to 2022. The company also intends to construct a new facility in Kumamoto prefecture, emphasizing its commitment to technological advancement in semiconductor manufacturing.

Japan, once a dominant force with 50% of the global semiconductor market share in 1988, has since faced challenges from competitors in South Korea and Taiwan. Despite this, Japanese semiconductor manufacturers, including companies like Kioxia Holdings and Renesas Electronics, have seen a slight increase in market share, rising to 8.68% of global sales in 2023 from the previous year. Looking ahead, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry has set an ambitious target to exceed USD 160.56 billion in sales of domestically produced semiconductors by 2030, triple the amount recorded in 2020. This initiative aims not only to reclaim market share but also to foster innovation and secure supply chains critical to global technology sectors.

In conclusion, Japan's renewed focus on semiconductor manufacturing represents a pivotal strategy to regain global prominence in advanced technology sectors. With substantial investments and strategic expansions planned by leading corporations, the country aims to strengthen its position in the semiconductor industry and contribute significantly to global technological advancements in the coming years.