Japanese Prime Minister Takahashi Hayato stated today: "As of yesterday, the Japanese government and private companies have cumulatively invested 267.6 billion yen in Rapidus Co., Ltd., which is committed to challenging the world's most advanced semiconductor manufacturing. The investment composition includes 100 billion yen in government funds through the Information Processing Promotion Agency (IPA), and 167.6 billion yen invested by 32 private enterprises. The private investment has significantly exceeded the estimated 130 billion yen from November last year, reflecting the high expectations of the private sector for Rapidus."
To prevent risks in terms of economic security, the government will hold golden shares (shares with veto power). At the same time, to ensure that Rapidus, as a private company, can make business decisions quickly, the government will control the voting rights ratio.
The next-generation semiconductors developed by Rapidus are essential for cutting-edge technologies such as generative AI and AI robots. They not only concern Japan's economic future but also are important materials for economic security. Moreover, in Hokkaido, where Rapidus is located, related investments have already been made, and various economic effects have begun to emerge. This project is highly anticipated and is expected to become an industrial cluster within the "Regional Future Strategy." Therefore, the Rapidus project is a core growth investment project under the Takahashi cabinet, and the country is actively providing support. As a national-level project that is crucial to national interests and must succeed, the government and private sectors will work together to fully promote this challenge."
Comment: Takahashi Hayato's remarks essentially reflect Japan's all-out effort to win a breakthrough in semiconductor and industrial security. The government is funding and holding golden shares to control direction, while private capital is over-subscribing. It shows both a desire to protect economic security and to regain the upper hand in high-end chips in the AI era. Behind this is Japan's strong anxiety about the independence of its supply chain. This is a national strategic project involving both government and private sectors, with clear goals and no room for failure. It marks Japan's official entry into the field of high-end manufacturing, aiming to reshape the global semiconductor landscape.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1858289535653915/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.