Korean and Japanese semiconductor companies are expanding their supply chain cooperation. As Japan rebuilds its semiconductor manufacturing base centered in Kyushu, domestic materials, components, and equipment firms are seeking new supply chain entry points, joint research and development, and pilot project opportunities.
The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) announced that it will hold a 'Korea-Japan Semiconductor Matching Day' in Fukuoka, Japan, from September 30 to October 2. The event is linked to the '3rd Kyushu Semiconductor Industry Exhibition' taking place during the same period.
Fourteen small and medium-sized enterprises and startups from Korea's semiconductor materials and components sector will participate in business-to-business (B2B) consultations with over 50 Japanese general trading companies, vendors, and semiconductor specialists. The participating companies were selected based on their technological capabilities and market potential by the Semiconductor Industry Promotion Center at Seoul National University, the Korea Nano Convergence Industry Association, and KOTRA.
Kyushu, where the event is being held, is a major semiconductor hub in Japan, featuring design in Fukuoka, manufacturing in Kumamoto, and backend processes in Northern Kyushu. The operation of TSMC's subsidiary JASM's Kumamoto plant, along with investments from Sony, Rohm, and SUMCO, is rapidly expanding the local supply chain.
According to Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the production value of integrated circuits in Kyushu is projected to reach 1.3126 trillion yen in 2024, accounting for nearly half of Japan's total. Following JASM's entry, new investments from semiconductor-related companies are also increasing, positioning Kyushu as a key hub for Japan's semiconductor revival.
Korea and Japan are already closely linked in the semiconductor supply chain. Last year, Korea imported $8.34 billion worth of semiconductors and $6.34 billion in semiconductor manufacturing equipment from Japan, making up about one-third of total imports from Japan. Japan excels in materials and equipment, while Korea has a competitive edge in manufacturing, creating significant complementarity.
Japanese companies such as Kanematsu, Moriroku, Kanaden, Kien's, and Amkor Technology Japan will participate in the consultations. Discussions will explore not only simple purchasing but also expanding collaboration into joint research and development and pilot projects.
On the second day of the event, a 'Korea-Japan Semiconductor Industry Cooperation Seminar' will be held to share technological and industrial trends between the two countries. KOTRA plans to support the entry of domestic materials and components companies into the Japanese supply chain through this initiative.
Kang Kyung-sung, president of KOTRA, stated, "With the push for a resurgence of Japan's semiconductor cluster, opportunities for cooperation between Korean and Japanese companies, both manufacturing powerhouses in Northeast Asia, are increasing. We will support K-semiconductor materials and components companies in entering the Japanese supply chain and enhancing the competitiveness of the semiconductor industries in both countries."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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