TSMC's first wafer fab in Kumamoto, Japan, operated by its subsidiary Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing (JASM), has officially begun mass production, marking a significant milestone for the region's semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.
Yomiuri Shimbun and Nikkei reported that Kumamoto Prefecture Governor Takashi Kimura announced during a press conference on December 27, 2024, that JASM informed the local government on December 23 about the commencement of mass production at the Kumamoto wafer fab.
Governor Kimura indicated that although the precise date of mass production's commencement is unclear, the project is proceeding according to plan.
The Kumamoto Prefectural Government mandated JASM to provide notification upon starting mass production, enabling authorities to monitor and inspect the facility's wastewater management systems.
Local residents have voiced concerns regarding the fab's extensive groundwater consumption and potential environmental impacts from wastewater discharge. Beginning in January 2025, the government will initiate regular monitoring of the plant's wastewater emissions.
TSMC's first wafer fab in Kumamoto, dedicated to producing logic ICs using 12/16nm and 22/28nm process technologies, was scheduled to begin operations in December 2024.
The fab's output is set to cater to two principal investors in JASM: Sony Semiconductor Solutions (SSS), Sony's semiconductor division, for image sensors, and Denso, a leading automotive parts manufacturer, for vehicle chips.
TSMC first announced plans in 2021 to establish a wafer fab in Kumamoto, with construction on the initial facility commencing in April 2022. By December 2023, the fab was completed, featuring a state-of-the-art 4.5-square-meter cleanroom.
The project involved a total investment of JPY1.3 trillion (approx. US$8.27 billion), bolstered by up to JPY476 billion in subsidies from Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).
Construction of TSMC's second wafer fab in Kumamoto is slated to begin in the first quarter of 2025, with operations targeted for a 2027 launch. Together, the two fabs signify a combined investment of over US$20 billion.
Governor Kimura has shown keen interest in bringing a third TSMC wafer fab to Kumamoto. However, during a media interview, he admitted the project remains uncertain and could take years to realize. He highlighted that its success would rely on the efficient operation of the first two fabs and the adoption of measures to alleviate traffic congestion and protect groundwater resources.
Kimura stressed the importance of securing community support and demonstrating Kumamoto's proactive approach to addressing TSMC's needs.
