Micron Begins Mass Production of Advanced Chips in Japan

TOKYO: Memory chip maker Micron Technology on Wednesday (November 16) began mass production of a new high-capacity, low-power 1-beta dynamic random access memory (DRAM) chip at its factory in Hiroshima, Japan.

Both U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel and Japanese officials attended a ceremony in Hiroshima to mark the start of large-scale production, highlighting the growing political importance of semiconductors to the two allies. emphasized the

The production of Micron’s cutting-edge chips, which can store a third more data than previous chips, comes at a time when Japan is looking to revive and modernize its once-strong chip industry.

Emmanuel said on Twitter that Wednesday’s launch is an example of how the two countries are working to “strengthen the semiconductor supply chain” and strengthen national security.

The former Chicago mayor has focused on strengthening commercial ties between the two countries to protect supply chains and reduce reliance on China.

The Japanese government is concerned that escalating trade tensions between the United States and China could lead to shortages of semiconductors needed by automakers and others.

The Japanese government provided Micron with ¥46.5 billion (US$332 million) in September to boost the factory’s capacity.

In July, it gave rival memory chip makers Kioxia and Western Digital a ¥93 billion subsidy to help expand production at a Japanese joint venture factory.

DRAM chips are widely used in data centers, personal computers, and other devices.