News On Japan

Japanese Semiconductor Giants Accelerate Development and Production of Power Semiconductors for EVs

TOKYO, Feb 06 (News On Japan) - As demand for power semiconductors used in electric vehicles (EVs) and other applications continues to rise, major Japanese semiconductor companies are accelerating their efforts to enhance development and production. Power semiconductors have been a strong suit for Japanese manufacturers, and strengthening this sector is becoming a crucial phase in enhancing their competitiveness globally.

In January, Mitsubishi Electric announced a new power semiconductor product that uses a durable and energy-efficient material known as SiC (silicon carbide). The new product is notable for its reduced size, shrinking to 40% of its conventional dimensions, which allows for the miniaturization of components installed in vehicles and is expected to extend the driving range per charge. Shinichi Kusunoki, the head of the Semiconductor & Device First Business Division at Mitsubishi Electric, stated, "To concentrate on the growing market, we are firmly launching products for automobiles."

Alternatively, Renesas Electronics has acquired an American company in January to move towards mass production of power semiconductors that use gallium nitride, a material with high energy efficiency. Additionally, Mitsubishi Electric, Fuji Electric, Toshiba, Rohm, and Renesas are planning to increase their production capacity from this year onwards.

Japan has traditionally excelled in power semiconductors, but as global demand increases, competition with international players, such as the leading German company Infineon, is intensifying. It is a critical moment to see if Japanese companies can enhance their competitiveness in the global market.

Source: NHK

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

From April 1st, a new regulation took effect across Osaka Prefecture requiring all restaurants with a customer seating area larger than 30 square meters to become entirely smoke-free indoors—unless they install a designated smoking room. Establishments violating the rule face fines of up to 50,000 yen, while customers may be fined up to 30,000 yen.

The Imperial Household Agency launched an official YouTube channel on April 1st to introduce the activities of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.

Japan's new fiscal year began on April 1st, with companies across the country holding entrance ceremonies to welcome new employees.

The Japanese government has released an updated damage forecast for a potential Nankai Trough megaquake, estimating that up to 298,000 people could die in the worst-case scenario. This projection reflects a slight reduction from the previous estimate of 332,000 deaths made 13 years ago.

The Japan Meteorological Agency announced on March 30th that cherry blossoms (Somei-Yoshino) in central Tokyo have reached full bloom, one day earlier than the historical average and five days earlier than last year.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Business NEWS

The Japanese government approved a cabinet ordinance on April 1st to introduce a new pre-screening system for foreign companies investing in Japan. The revised regulation will take effect on May 19th.

The Bank of Japan's March Tankan survey, a key quarterly economic report, showed that business sentiment among large manufacturers has deteriorated for the first time in four quarters.

Tokyo has made it mandatory to install solar panels on newly built houses starting April 1st, as part of its broader effort to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

The new fiscal year began on April 1st, with companies across the Kansai region holding entrance ceremonies to welcome new employees.

Sukiya, one of Japan's leading beef bowl restaurant chains, announced it will temporarily close nearly all of its stores after an insect was found in a food item served at one of its outlets.

Fuji Television announced a sweeping overhaul of its management structure on March 27th, including the retirement of longtime executive Hisashi Hieda, who served on the board for 41 years.

The Trump administration announced on March 26th that it will impose an additional 25% tariff on imported automobiles and key auto parts. According to the proclamation signed by President Trump, the tariffs are set to take effect on April 3rd and will apply to all imported vehicles, including those from Japan.

Rapidus, a company aiming to domestically produce next-generation semiconductors, plans to begin operating its prototype line for advanced chips in April. The company is accelerating development of 2-nanometer-class semiconductors, expected to be used in artificial intelligence (AI) applications.