Rapidus's Japan chip plant may bring $120bn economic windfall, but doubts remain

Tokyo urged to provide guarantees, long-term support for cutting-edge production

20241011N Rapidus

Rapidus' plant, located near New Chitose Airport, was more than 50% completed as of mid-September. (Photo by Hajime Tsukada)

HAJIME TSUKADA, Nikkei staff writer

SAPPORO, Japan -- Less than six months out from the start of a cutting-edge semiconductor prototype line at chipmaker Rapidus' new Hokkaido plant, the local economic benefit -- which may exceed 18 trillion yen ($120 billion) -- is starting to be felt, though hurdles to the goal of mass production remain.

The factory construction site is located near New Chitose Airport, the northernmost main Japanese island's primary airport and gateway to its biggest city, Sapporo.

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