# TSMC semiconductor expansion in Japan

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tsmc-semiconductor-expansion-in-japan
> Updated: 2026-09-10T14:03:26.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

TSMC is expanding its semiconductor manufacturing footprint in Kumamoto, Japan, through new partnerships and technological upgrades.

In August 2026, Sony Semiconductor Solutions and TSMC announced a joint venture named Advanced Vision Semiconductor Manufacturing. Based in Koshi, Kumamoto Prefecture, the venture aims to produce next-generation image sensors for smartphones, robotics, and digital health, with mass production targeted for 2029. Sony will act as the sole controlling shareholder with an investment of approximately 465 billion yen, while TSMC will contribute roughly 282 billion yen and provide manufacturing expertise.

By September 2026, TSMC announced that its second facility in Kumamoto, overseen by Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing (JASM), will be upgraded to incorporate 3-nanometer technology. This represents a significant advancement from the initial plans for 6 and 12-nanometer processes. These developments align with Japanese government efforts to bolster economic security and stabilize supply chains for artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, and advanced electronics.

## Claims

- TSMC announced that its second Kumamoto factory will utilize 3-nanometer technology. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- METI approved a subsidy of up to 732,000 billion yen for the JASM project in February 2024. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing (JASM) is a company primarily controlled by TSMC. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The original plan for the Kumamoto facility focused on 6 and 12-nanometer processes. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: TSMC to implement 3-nanometer technology at second Kumamoto plant

TSMC will upgrade its second Kumamoto plant in Japan to include 3-nanometer chip technology, advancing Japan's goal of securing semiconductor supply chains for AI and robotics.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tsmc-to-implement-3-nanometer-technology-at-second-kumamoto-plant

### 2026-08-17: Sony and TSMC form joint venture for image sensor production in Japan

Sony and TSMC are forming a joint venture in Kumamoto, Japan, to manufacture next-generation image sensors by 2029, targeting smartphone, robotics, and physical AI markets.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sony-and-tsmc-form-joint-venture-for-image-sensor-production-in-japan

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Cite as: TSMC semiconductor expansion in Japan. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tsmc-semiconductor-expansion-in-japan