Japan chipmaker Rapidus's state aid draws flak over funding

Opposition says tapping COVID-era money is misappropriation

20241223N Rapidus

Japanese advanced chipmaker Rapidus is benefitting from generous government aid. (Photo by Yuki Nakao)

MARI ISHIBASHI, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- The Japanese government's financial assistance to chipmaker Rapidus is under fire for what opposition lawmakers say is a budget trick over the source of the funding.

In November, the government announced a seven-year rollout of at least 10 trillion yen ($63.6 billion) to support the country's semiconductor and artificial intelligence sectors.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.