[Event Report] SEMICON Japan 2025 — Japan's Semiconductor Industry Accelerating Through International Collaboration

The international exhibition SEMICON Japan 2025 was held at Tokyo Big Sight from December 17 to 19, 2025, with 1,216 companies and organizations from 35 countries and regions exhibiting and a total of 121,267 visitors attending over the three days.

As in the previous year, JETRO operated a booth and hosted three open seminars. After the seminars, we interviewed several speakers to hear about the appeal of the Japanese market, their expectations for Japan, and their outlook for the future.

According to Peter Fatelnig, Minister Counsellor for Digital Economy Policy at the Delegation of the European Union to Japan, in an interview after the seminar, "Japan has an ecosystem that is very similar to the EU, and we can complement each other in many parts of the complex semiconductor value chain."

He stated, "What we find most interesting about Japan is research and innovation in the semiconductor field. Japan is home to highly specialized, high‑tech companies." He also emphasized, "We see a growing semiconductor market here in Japan, which is a significant business opportunity for EU companies as well."

Regarding Japan's efforts to manufacture advanced semiconductors domestically, he said, "This is something we don't have in the EU yet. So, in that respect, Japan would be an ideal strategic partner." Acknowledging that developing new products and processes requires considerable investment, he underscored, "Since both Japan and Europe possess high capabilities, if we pool resources, we will both be better off," stressing the importance of Japan–EU cooperation.

On the second day of the event, JETRO co‑hosted a seminar with NY Creates, titled "Semiconductor Innovation with NY Creates."

Frank Tolic, Director for Business Development at NY Creates, said, "Japan has a very robust supply chain in the semiconductor industry. Obviously, there's a lot of focus on device makers and Rapidus as the new foundry, but Japan has an excellent history in supplying materials and chemicals," adding, "I am excited to see how Japan's supply chain ecosystem grows with the new investments."

JETRO and NY Creates have steadily deepened their collaboration since signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in December 2024. Tolic noted, "Last August, JETRO brought a group of around 20 Japanese companies to New York, and together we held extensive discussions over two days with the participating companies. As a result, we are now talking to five or more companies about substantive collaboration and partnership possibilities." He concluded by saying, "We will continue these efforts in Japan and the United States, and we plan to share broad updates on developments in Japan–U.S. collaboration, including the outcomes of this exhibition."

Zachary Holman, Vice Dean for Research and Innovation at Arizona State University's Fulton Schools of Engineering, said, "Japan is a powerhouse in semiconductor materials and equipment. The world needs Japan's innovation and precise manufacturing technologies in order to make the chips of both today and tomorrow." He added, "I'm excited to see our R&D relationship deepen between the two countries — in Arizona and also in Japan."

As an example of initiatives taking place in Japan, Fumihiro Inoue, Associate Professor and Deputy Director of Center for Semiconductor and Quantum Integrated Electronics at Yokohama National University, explained, "At Yokohama National University, we have launched the '3D Heterogeneous Integration Alliance' consortium and are advancing semiconductor development in collaboration with more than 100 companies."

He analyzed the status of Japan's semiconductor industry. He stated, "While Japan is extremely strong in equipment and materials, capabilities in design and development are still insufficient." He continued, "However, if Japan and the United States collaborate, for example, it will create a very strong framework. Such collaboration will become essential for the semiconductor industry going forward," emphasizing the importance of international collaboration.

SEMICON Japan 2025 highlighted the strength of Japan's semiconductor industry in equipment and materials, while also sharing recognition of challenges ahead in design and development. Stakeholders from Europe and the United States praised Japan's technological capabilities, and expectations are rising for the creation of new value through international collaboration. Through partnerships among industry, academia, and government, as well as with overseas partners, further development of Japan's semiconductor industry is gaining attention.

JETRO supports overseas semiconductor‑related companies entering Japan, collaboration and partnerships between Japanese and overseas companies, and the building of semiconductor ecosystem in Japan. If you have an interest, we would be pleased to assist you. Please contact JETRO.