Japan's 'Silicon Island' attracts rush of financial groups to Kyushu

FinanceFrom Taiwan and Japan, investment firms and banks flock to support regional growthThe startup LINK-US participates in the Kumamoto Semiconductor Venture Pitch event in February. (Photo by Shotaro Mori)SHOTARO MORI and KOICHI KITANISHIJuly 18, 2026 14:40 JSTFUKUOKA/KUMAMOTO, Japan -- The entry of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) into Japan's southwestern island of Kyushu has spurred a buildup of a semiconductor industry in what is known as the country's "Silicon Island," and funding from investors has followed suit.