Japan’s semiconductor industry, which once held nearly 50% of the global market in the 1980s, has dropped to around 9% today. This decline reflects changes in global manufacturing and the rise of strong competitors like the US, Taiwan, and South Korea.
Despite this shift, Japan remains a critical backbone of the global chip ecosystem, particularly in semiconductor materials, equipment, and specialty chips for automotive and industrial use.
Japanese companies control approximately 31% of the global semiconductor manufacturing equipment market, second only to the United States. They also dominate in key semiconductor materials, such as photoresists, sputtering targets, and silicon wafers. [1]
With the global semiconductor market expected to surpass $2 trillion by 2032, Japan is investing heavily to stay ahead. The Japanese government has pledged over $70 billion for semiconductor and AI development by 203o. One major step is the launch of Rapidus, a government-supported chipmaker aiming to produce advanced 2nm chips by 2027. [2]
Below, I highlight the top Japanese semiconductor companies — from memory chip experts and material specialists to equipment makers and automotive chip leaders. These companies are essential to many industries, including smartphones, electric vehicles, space technology, and AI.
Did you know?In 2023, Japan’s discrete semiconductor production was valued at around $6.43 billion, a 1.2% increase from the previous year. Looking ahead, Japan’s overall semiconductor equipment market is projected to surpass $254 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 9.05%. [3]
Table of Contents
14. Sumco Corporation
Founded in 1999Core Products: Single crystal silicon ingots, annealed wafers
Annual Revenue: $2.7 billion (2024)
Competitive Edge: Long-term supply contracts
Sumco manufactures silicon wafers, a foundational material for semiconductor devices. It offers a comprehensive product lineup, including single-crystal silicon ingots, polished wafers, annealed wafers, epitaxial wafers, junction-isolated wafers, and silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers.
These wafers are used in a vast range of semiconductor applications, including logic chips, memory (DRAM and NAND), power ICs, and automotive-grade semiconductors. Sumco’s major customers include the world’s top chip manufacturers, including TSMC, Samsung, Micron, Intel, and SK Hynix.
However, in recent years. Sumco’s business with key memory clients has been significantly affected by China’s push for local silicon wafer production. China’s wafer production output reached approximately 1 million units per month, with a significant portion consumed by domestic companies, leading to a decline in Sumco’s business with these clients. [4]
13. Mitsubishi Electric
Founded in 1921Core Products: Power semiconductors
Competitive Edge: Diversified revenue stream
Within the semiconductor domain, Mitsubishi Electric focuses on Power Semiconductors, high-frequency devices, optical devices, and TFT-LCD modules. Its Power Semiconductors play a key role in electric vehicles (EVs), high-speed trains, power grids, industrial robots, and home appliances.
Mitsubishi Electric continues to invest heavily in GaN (gallium nitride) and SiC (silicon carbide) semiconductors for high-efficiency, high-voltage applications — making it a key player in future energy and mobility transitions. In 2023, the company announced large-scale investments exceeding $700 million to expand its power semiconductor production capacity.
Unlike some competitors that depend heavily on a single market, Mitsubishi’s semiconductors are used across multiple industries—including automotive, energy, aerospace, and factory automation—helping reduce exposure to market cycles. The company also benefits from the strong financial backing of the Mitsubishi Group, enabling long investment horizons and strategic consistency.
12. Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation
Core Products: MOSFETs, MCUs, IGBTsAnnual Revenue: ~$6 billion (estimates)
Competitive Edge: Toshiba’s extensive technological expertise and global network
Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation (TDSC) is a core subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, with a focus on power semiconductors, automotive chips, discrete devices, analog ICs, and hard disk drives.
It holds a strong position in global markets for MOSFETs, IGBTs (Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistor), photorelays, diodes, MCUs, and motor driver ICs, catering heavily to the automotive, energy, industrial equipment, and consumer electronics sectors.
The company operates a vertically integrated business model, overseeing the entire product lifecycle from research and development to manufacturing and sales. This approach ensures stringent quality control and fosters innovation across its product lines.
In 2024, Toshiba expressed intentions to achieve a double-digit market share in the global power chip market by 2030, aiming to significantly increase from its 3.2% share in 2023. [5]
11. Shin-Etsu Chemical
Core Products: Silicon wafers, EUV photoresist
Annual Revenue: $16.48 billion (2025)
Competitive Edge: Holds over 30% of the global silicon wafer market
Shin-Etsu Chemical is one of the world’s largest and most influential chemical manufacturers, with a dominant presence in the global semiconductor materials market. It excels in a range of high-tech materials including semiconductor-grade silicon wafers, photoresists, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), rare earth magnets, and functional chemicals.
The company has made significant advancements in 300mm (12-inch) wafers, EUV (extreme ultraviolet) photoresists, SOI (Silicon on Insulator) substrates, and low-defect, high-flatness silicon that meets the demanding requirements of advanced nodes down to 3nm and below. It also supplies key materials used in transistor gate stacks and advanced packaging technologies.
In 2024, Shin-Etsu introduced the first heat-shrinkable silicone rubber tubing designed for busbar covering, enhancing insulation and protection in electrical applications. [6]
Financially, the company maintains a conservative balance sheet, supported by strong cash reserves and low debt levels. Its operating margins consistently range between 25% and 33%, with strong returns on both assets and equity. In 2024, Shin-Etsu reported $17.2 billion in revenue and a gross profit of $7.1 billion. [7]
10. Fujitsu Semiconductor (Now RAMXEED)
Founded in 1935Core Products: Non-volatile memory solutions
Competitive Edge: Decades of experience with in-vehicle control units and infotainment systems
Fujitsu Semiconductor operates under the larger umbrella of Fujitsu Limited, one of Japan’s largest IT services and electronics conglomerates. The company has built deep capabilities in advanced logic LSI (Large-Scale Integration), memory solutions, ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits), and power management ICs.
It is famous for developing Ferroelectric Random Access Memories (FRAMs) that offer high-speed, high-endurance, and low-power non-volatile memory solutions. These products have been well-received in markets requiring frequent data writing and reliability. [8]
In 2025, Fujitsu Semiconductor rebranded itself as RAMXEED Limited, reflecting its renewed focus on pushing the boundaries of RAM-based memory technology. The new name blends “RAM” with “XEED,” symbolizing success and the drive to exceed expectations.
Just two weeks after the rebrand, RAMXEED announced the development of an Application-Specific Standard Product (ASSP) chipset embedded with FRAM. This chipset has been adopted for use in smart contact lenses, highlighting the company’s cutting-edge work in integrating advanced memory solutions into wearable technology. [9]
9. Seiko Instruments
Core Products: Quartz crystals, supercapacitors
Competitive Edge: Decades of experience in precision engineering and micromechatronics
Seiko Instruments, a subsidiary of Seiko Group, develops semiconductors, micromechatronics, and precision machining technologies. It operates through several key business segments.
The “Electronic components” segment focuses on the development and manufacturing of semiconductors, quartz crystals, microbatteries, and supercapacitors. The “Precision Instruments” segment produces scientific instruments, including scanning probe microscopes and focused ion beam systems.
The company’s ability to integrate micromechatronics with semiconductor technologies has positioned it as a leader in producing compact, high-performance components. Plus, its emphasis on R&D has led to advancements in areas such as IoT devices and robotics, aligning with contemporary technological trends.
In FY 2024, Seiko Instruments reported a patent grant rate exceeding 80%. This achievement reflects the company’s dedication to innovation and the successful securing of intellectual property rights through close collaboration between its Intellectual Property Department and inventors. [10]
8. Rohm Semiconductor
Founded in 1958Core Products: Analog ICs, power semiconductors
Annual Revenue: $3.19 billion (2025)
Competitive Edge: Leadership in SiC power devices
Rohm has evolved from a small resistor manufacturer into a globally integrated semiconductor company with operations in over 20 countries. It produces integrated circuits (ICs), discrete semiconductors (diodes, transistors), power modules, and passive components (resistors, capacitors).
The company is particularly known for its leadership in power management ICs, silicon carbide (SiC) power devices, analog ICs, and application-specific ICs — fields that are increasingly crucial for next-generation applications such as EVs, renewable energy systems, and industrial automation.
Rohm’s competitive advantage lies in its commitment to R&D and its ability to anticipate and respond to market trends. In FY 2023, the company invested nearly $310 million in R&D, an increase of over $1.8 million compared to the previous year. [11]
In 2025, Rohm and Mazda Motor partnered to develop automotive components utilizing gallium nitride (GaN) power semiconductors. This collaboration aims to create innovative components for next-generation electric vehicles, with practical implementation targeted for 2027. [12]
7. Nikon Corporation
Founded in 1917Core Products: Semiconductor lithography systems
Annual Revenue: $4.9 billion (2024)
Competitive Edge: Over 100 years of experience in optics and precision engineering
Initially established through the merger of three optical manufacturers, Nikon has grown into a global leader in precision equipment and instruments. Although Nikon is widely recognized for its cameras and lenses, it also plays a crucial role in the semiconductor industry through its development and production of semiconductor lithography systems.
The company offers a range of lithography systems, including i-line steppers and ArF immersion scanners, which are essential for making integrated circuits. In 2024, Nikon announced a digital lithography system with 1.0-micron resolution, highlighting its progress in advanced semiconductor manufacturing technology.
In FY 2024, the company reported a revenue of $4.9 billion, marking a 14.2% increase from the previous fiscal year. The Precision Equipment Business contributed significantly, generating about $1.5 billion in revenue during this period. [13]
Looking ahead, Nikon plans to introduce a new ArF immersion lithography system platform in 2028. This system will be compatible with existing ASML equipment, as part of Nikon’s strategy to regain market share in the semiconductor equipment industry. [14]
6. Murata Manufacturing
Founded in 1944Core Products: Multilayer ceramic capacitors, piezoelectric sensors
Annual Revenue: $11.28 billion (2025)
Competitive Edge: Global manufacturing and R&D network
Initially focused on ceramic capacitors, Murata Manufacturing has expanded its portfolio to include a wide range of electronic components, including inductors, resistors, sensors, timing devices, filters, and communication modules.
The company operates on a vertically integrated business model, overseeing every aspect of its product lifecycle—from research and development to manufacturing and sales. Their continuous investment in R&D has led to the development of cutting-edge electronic components, such as the world’s smallest class 006003 size (0.16 mm x 0.08 mm) chip inductor. [15]
In 2025, Murata revealed its plan for significant mergers and acquisitions, with potential deals exceeding $665 million, targeting expansion in inductors and sensors. The company also plans to allocate $1.5 billion for strategic investments and about $4.6 billion for capital expenditures over the next three years. [16]
Plus, Murata has committed to sustainability, aiming to power all its factories with 100% renewable energy by 2035.
5. Advantest Corporation
Core Products: SoC and Memory test systems
Annual Revenue: $3.96 billion (2025)
Competitive Edge: Long-term partnerships with major semiconductor manufacturers
Advantest Corporation manufactures automatic test equipment for the semiconductor industry. More specifically, it develops systems that test the functionality and performance of semiconductors, ensuring the quality and reliability of devices used in various applications, from consumer electronics to automotive systems.
Advantest’s product portfolio encompasses a broad range of testing solutions, including systems for SoC devices, memory semiconductors, and radio frequency semiconductors. The company also offers mechatronics-related products and services, such as handlers and device interfaces, which are essential for transporting and interfacing chips during the testing process.
In 2024, Advantest received the “Supplier of the Year” award from Qualcomm in the Test Equipment & Hardware category. The company also received the prestigious Porter Prize for its strong competitive edge in the semiconductor test equipment industry.
That same year, Advantest introduced ACS Gemini, a developer platform designed to accelerate machine learning (ML) application development, simulate testing results, and shorten the deployment time of ML applications on the production test floor. [17]
4. Sony Semiconductor Solutions
Established: 2015Core Products: Image sensors, microdisplays
Annual Revenue: $9.6 billion (2023)
Competitive Edge: Market leadership in image sensors
Sony Semiconductor Solutions (SSS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation, focuses on the R&D, design, production, and sales of semiconductor-related products, with a particular emphasis on image sensors.
Its image sensors are integral to various devices worldwide, such as smartphones, digital cameras, automobiles, and security systems. Beyond image sensors, SSS’s portfolio encompasses microdisplays, large-scale integrations (LSIs), semiconductor lasers, and edge AI sensing platforms.
The company holds nearly 53% share of the global image sensor market by revenue, underscoring its dominance in the field. In FY 2023, Sony’s Imaging & Sensing Solutions segment, which includes SSS, reported sales of $9.6 billion, a 30% increase from the previous fiscal year. The operating income for this segment was $1.4 billion, reflecting a 36% year-on-year growth. [18]
In 2024, SSS launched the ECX350F, a 0.44-inch Full HD OLED Microdisplay with 5.1 µm pixels and a peak brightness of 10,000 cd/m². This microdisplay aims to enhance AR experiences by enabling thinner and lighter AR glasses without compromising display quality. [19]
Furthermore, SSS collaborates with industry leaders to expand its technological capabilities. For instance, partnerships with companies like Raspberry Pi have facilitated the development of AI-enhanced vision systems.
3. Tokyo Electron
Founded in 1963Core Products: Coater/Developers, Etching systems
Annual Revenue: $12.47 billion (2024)
Competitive Edge: Comprehensive product portfolio
Tokyo Electron Ltd (TEL) is a leading global supplier of semiconductor and flat panel display production equipment. It offers a diverse range of cutting-edge equipment, including coaters/developers, etching systems, deposition systems, and cleaning systems. These are utilized in the production of integrated circuits, flat panel displays, and photovoltaic cells.
TEL’s strong relationships with key clients, such as TSMC, Samsung, and Intel, which account for a significant portion of their sales, further bolster its market position. In 2024, the company reported $12.47 billion in revenue and earned a gross profit of $6.3 billion.
TEL also invests significantly in R&D to capture technological advancements and maintain its competitive edge. In 2024, it spent nearly $1.4 billion to develop next-generation equipment that meets the evolving demands of the semiconductor and display industries. [20]
The company plans to invest $10 billion in R&D between 2024 and 2028, which is an 80% increase compared to the previous five years. It also expects to grow its workforce by 10,000 people during this period. Capital expenditures (Capex) will reach $4.8 billion, a 90% increase from the last five years. [21]
2. Kioxia Holdings Corporation
Founded in 2019Core Products: SSDs, NAND Flash Memory
Annual Revenue: $7.6 billion (2024)
Competitive Edge: World-class manufacturing infrastructure
Kioxia is Japan’s leading memory manufacturer and one of the world’s top suppliers of NAND flash memory and solid-state storage solutions. It was formerly the memory division of Toshiba Corporation before being spun off in 2018 and officially renamed Kioxia in October 2019.
The company has developed BiCS FLASH, a 3D flash memory technology that significantly boosts storage capacity and performance for high-density applications like advanced smartphones, PCs, SSDs, automotive systems, and data centers.
In 2024, they began mass production of the industry’s first Quad-Level Cell Universal Flash Storage Ver 4.0 embedded flash memory devices, integrating their BiCS FLASH 3D flash memory. [22]
Kioxia’s strategic partnerships have strengthened its market position. For example, in 2025, Kioxia and SanDisk unveiled their 10th generation 3D flash memory technology, achieving a NAND interface speed of 4.8 Gb/s. This advancement set new benchmarks for performance, power efficiency, and bit density in the industry. [23]
Looking ahead, Kioxia projects that demand for flash memory will nearly triple by 2028, driven by the rise of AI and increased investment in servers and data centers. The company is well-prepared to meet this growing demand.
1. Renesas Electronics
Core Products: Microcontrollers, Automotive SoCs
Annual Revenue: $9.66 billion (2025)
Competitive Edge: Automotive electronics leadership
Renesas Electronics is one of Japan’s largest and most globally recognized semiconductor companies, specializing in embedded solutions that power modern digital devices. It follows a fab-lite business model, balancing in-house production (primarily mature and automotive-qualified process nodes) with outsourcing to leading foundries like TSMC for advanced technologies (7nm and below).
Renesas has evolved into a total embedded system solutions company, delivering not just chips, but complete reference designs, software tools, and application development kits. Its winning strategy integrates MCU + analog + power + connectivity into modular, ready-to-use solutions targeted at fast-growing markets like EVs and charging infrastructure.
Renesas’s strategic acquisitions, such as Altium (printed circuit board design software company) for $5.89 billion and Transphorm (gallium nitride-chip maker ) for $339 million in 2024, have expanded its technological capabilities and market presence.
In 2024, Renesas spent approximately $1.7 billion in R&D, compared to $1.6 billion in 2023, reflecting its continued commitment to developing advanced semiconductor solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications. The company also plans to grow its sales in India from less than 5% in 2022 to between 10% and 15% by 2030. [24]
Read More
- 16 Leading Chinese Semiconductor Companies
- 21 Fastest Supercomputers In The World
- 15 Quantum Processors That Feature New Computing Paradigm
- Japanese Semiconductor Renaissance, Accelerating the ‘new direction with technology leadership, BCG
- Matt Swayne, Japan boosts semiconductor, quantum r&d with trillion-yen budget, Quantum Insider
- Market Trend Analysis, Semiconductor equipment market to be worth $254 billion by 2032, GlobalNewsWire
- Sumco, Business with key memory client hit hard by China’s local silicon wafer trend, Trendforce
- Takashi Mochizuki, Toshiba aims for double-digit power chip market share by 2030, Bloomberg
- News, Industry-first heat-shrinkable silicone rubber tubing, Yahoo Finance
- Company Financials, Shin-Etsu Chemical’s operating margin throughout the years, Macrotrends
- Corporate Profile, Fujitsu Semiconductor Memory Solution Limited, Mouser
- Press Release, FeRAM-embedded ASSP chipset adopted by smart contact lenses, RAMXEED
- Intellectual Property, Status of patent applications and patent grants, SII
- Hardware, R&D expenses of Rohm Co. throughout the years, Statista
- News, Mazda and Rohm partnered to develop next-generation semiconductors, Rohm
- Investor Relations, Operating results and financial position, Nikon
- Semiconductors, Nikon aims to reclaim market share with ASML, Digitimes Asia
- Event News, World’s smallest class 006003 size chip inductor, Murata Manufacturing
- Ritsuko Shimizu, Japan’s Murata eyeing large-scale M&A to drive growth, Reuters
- ACS Gemini, A developer’s platform for accelerated ACS RTDI application deployment, Advantest
- Company Highlights, We will keep growing as a leading company of image sensors, Sony Semiconductor
- News Releases, 0.44-Type Full HD OLED microdisplay, Sony Semiconductor
- Financial Highlights, Operating results throughout the years, TEL
- Sustainability, Strengthening research and development capabilities, TEL
- Business News, New 512GB device brings the higher bit density of QLC to UFS, Kioxia
- Press Release, Kioxia and Sandisk unveil next-gen 3D flash memory, Nasdaq
- Earning Reports, Renesas announced consolidated financial results in accordance with IFRS, Renesas Electronics
