Japan’s Rapidus Partners with IBM on 2nm Semiconductor Manufacturing to Bolster Indo-Pacific Supply Chain Resilience

July 19, 2026

Geopolitical Analysis / Think Tank International

Overview

Japan’s Rapidus, in partnership with IBM, aims to establish 2nm advanced semiconductor manufacturing in Japan, strengthening the Indo-Pacific supply chain, including ASEAN countries. This initiative positions Japan as a manufacturing hub for ASEAN logic semiconductor companies, accelerating technological collaboration and human capital development in semiconductor assembly, testing, and packaging across the region.

In Depth

Key Findings

The Rapidus project in Japan extends beyond merely strengthening domestic semiconductor manufacturing; it aims to establish advanced 2nm (nanometer) semiconductor production in Japan through a strategic partnership with IBM. This initiative seeks to enhance the resilience of the entire Indo-Pacific semiconductor supply chain, encompassing ASEAN nations. This vision carries broader strategic implications for geopolitical stability and economic security.

Technical and Clinical Details

Rapidus plans to leverage IBM’s 2nm process technology to manufacture cutting-edge logic semiconductors. This involves innovative processes such as Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography and Gate-All-Around (GAA) transistor structures. The collaboration with IBM is not limited to front-end manufacturing but also extends to advanced packaging technologies, which are essential for AI chips. This will enable Rapidus to offer complex back-end solutions, including chiplet integration and High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) stacking. The project aims for Japan to become a hub for cutting-edge semiconductor R&D and manufacturing, with Rapidus expected to serve as a manufacturing base for ASEAN semiconductor design companies in the future.

Background and Industry Context

Amid global vulnerabilities in semiconductor supply chains, nations are rushing to rebuild and strengthen their domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities for economic security. Japan, once a semiconductor powerhouse, has lost its competitive edge over the past few decades. Rapidus is a national endeavor to reverse this trend and revitalize Japan’s semiconductor industry. Strengthening the resilience of the entire semiconductor ecosystem in the Indo-Pacific region is particularly emphasized within international cooperation frameworks, such as the U.S. CHIPS Act. ASEAN countries play a crucial role in semiconductor assembly, testing, and packaging (ATP), and collaboration with Rapidus could contribute to enhancing technological standards and human resource development across the region.

Strategic Significance and Outlook

The commencement of mass production using Rapidus’ 2nm process (targeted for 2027) will mark a significant milestone for Japan’s semiconductor industry. The technological partnership with IBM and the contribution to strengthening the Indo-Pacific supply chain will further enhance Rapidus’ strategic value. This project not only holds the potential for Japan to once again become a major global player in cutting-edge semiconductor technology but is also expected to play an indispensable role in fostering deeper technological cooperation with ASEAN countries and accelerating human capital development in the semiconductor sector, thereby building a more stable regional ecosystem. This is a crucial initiative that contributes not only to economic benefits but also to geopolitical stability.

Source: https://japan-forward.com/rapidus-resilient-indo-pacific-semiconductor-ecosystem-satoshi-nohara/

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