JASM, TSMC’s branch in Japan, may increase its second factory for 4nm production

TSMC is reportedly considering upgrading its second factory in Japan to produce 4nm chips in the country. Currently, the first JASM – as the company’s installation in Japan is known – only works with mature processes, and its expansion would focus on 6nm and 7nm chips.

The second JASM factory, also called Phase 2 of TSMC’s Fab 23, began construction at the end of October. Now, however, Nikkei Asia reports that construction has apparently been paused, and that TSMC has reportedly notified suppliers that it will not need new equipment in Japan through 2026.

The delay may be indicative of the change in plans that the website reports, to now set up the factory capable of more advanced processes. Tom’s Hardware explains that, unlike more advanced processes, the machinery for 4nm and 5nm is even close to what the company uses to manufacture 6nm and 7nm, so the second JASM would not need to undergo drastic changes for the upgrade.

TSMC still does not focus on 2nm in Japan

The first JASM, which already operates in Japan, manufactures chips in 40nm, 28nm, 22nm, 16nm and 12nm. These are processes considered mature, still widely used in components for household appliances, small electronics and cars. TSMC’s main customers in the country order these products, so its focus on expansion was not yet on its most advanced lithographs.

However, the company has been expanding its capacity to 3nm and 2nm in other locations, so it appears that it will want to take advantage of its facilities in Japan so as not to lose so much production volume in 4nm.

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Apparently the company does not have many customers in the country interested in its newest technologies, so its expansion focus to 2nm remains in the USA – to avoid tariffs – and mainly in Taiwan, its homeland.

But this does not mean that Japan will not have semiconductor factories capable of the most advanced process, since the national company Rapidus has invested in the technology.