Sony, TSMC deal brings overseas investment in Japan chipmaking to $37bn

SemiconductorsTokyo's subsidies help, but US tech and AI giants are powerful drawTSMC has invested 3 trillion yen in two Japan foundries, including facilities in Kumamoto prefecture. (Photo by Toshiki Sasazu)SHUHEI OCHIAIAugust 13, 2026 06:52 JSTTOKYO -- Investment in Japan's chip industry by foreign companies has reached 6 trillion yen ($37 billion) with the recent announcement of an image sensor plant by Sony Group and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.