It has become clear that the Sony Group is considering building a new semiconductor factory in Kumamoto Prefecture.
The investment will be in the hundreds of billions of yen, and will expand the production capacity of semiconductors used in smartphone cameras.
The Sony Group is the world's largest manufacturer of semiconductor components used in smartphone cameras, accounting for 40% of the global market, and has indicated a policy to further expand production capacity in anticipation of increased demand.
According to people involved, Sony is considering building a new semiconductor factory in Koshi City, which is adjacent to Kikuyo Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, where the current production base is located.
The investment is expected to reach hundreds of billions of yen, and operations are planned to start after fiscal 2025.
Concrete discussions will be held with the local community regarding matters such as securing the site.
Separately, Sony is building a new semiconductor factory in Kikuyo, Kumamoto Prefecture, jointly with Taiwanese semiconductor giant TSMC and Denso.
Amid intensifying global competition to strengthen production capacity triggered by semiconductor supply shortages, the movement to expand investment in areas where factories are located is spreading further.