Japan’s bid to regain its leadership in the chip industry relies on these three companies.

There’s no doubt that this is a very strong commitment, even more ambitious than those designed by the US, China, or Europe. Only South Korea is preparing a financial investment of a similar magnitude. The first reactions from Japanese companies have not been long in coming. “We are working with our customers to develop technologies that go four generations into the future.” These words from Nobuto Doi, vice president of Tokyo Electron, are a clear statement of intent.

However, before continuing with this article, it’s important to briefly review Japan’s origins. In the late 1980s, this Asian country dominated the global integrated circuit industry with undeniable force. NEC, Toshiba, Hitachi, Fujitsu, Mitsubishi, Matsushita, and other Japanese companies accounted for no less than 50% of the chip industry in 1988. However, today none of these companies are positioned among the leaders in a sector dominated with an iron fist by Taiwanese, American, Chinese, South Korean, and German companies.