On September 26, 2026, Korean media Hankook Ilbo reported, 'Samsung Electronics and SK hynix are focusing on Japan to strengthen the competitiveness of their semiconductor industry.' The article states that the two companies, which lead the global semiconductor market, are embarking on 'close collaboration' with Japan, which was once a semiconductor powerhouse.

The article stated, 'Japan led the global semiconductor market in the 1980s, but its decline was also rapid. Meanwhile, Korean companies such as Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Semiconductor (now SK hynix), armed with price competitiveness and production capacity, exploited the gaps that emerged during the period when Japan's semiconductor industry was faltering, achieving rapid growth.'

It then stated, 'What supported Japan's semiconductor industry after it lost its leadership was its strong competitiveness in the 'materials, components, and equipment' sector. Many manufacturers accumulated know-how through trial and error on mass production lines at Toshiba and Hitachi, and established advanced technologies by engaging in research and development (R&D). This is why Samsung Electronics and SK hynix cite Japan's 'materials, components, and equipment ecosystem' as a reason for their focus on Japan.'

According to the article, Samsung Electronics held an opening ceremony on the 8th in Yokohama for its advanced semiconductor post-processing research base, the 'Advanced Package Lab (APL).' 15 major Japanese semiconductor material, component, and equipment manufacturers, including Tokyo Electron and Ibiden, participated.

SK hynix is considering Miyagi Prefecture as a candidate site for its Japanese factory. Miyagi Prefecture is a central location in the Tohoku region, which the Japanese government is cultivating as one of the 'three major bases' for semiconductor industry reconstruction, along with Kyushu and Hokkaido, and is home to the base of an etching equipment manufacturer, a core subsidiary of Tokyo Electron. SUMCO, the world's second-largest silicon wafer manufacturer, is also located nearby, making it easy to procure special chemical materials and gases for semiconductors.

The stability of the infrastructure (electricity, industrial water, land, and human resources) necessary for building a semiconductor factory (fab) is also cited as one of the reasons why Japan is emerging as an 'important hub.'

The article explained, 'In recent years, Japan has been sequentially restarting nuclear power plants that had ceased operation since the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, increasing its electricity supply. In Kyushu, one of the major semiconductor hubs, the Sendai Nuclear Power Plant Units 1 and 2 and the Genkai Nuclear Power Plant Units 3 and 4 are in operation, and facilities for thermal, hydroelectric, and solar power generation are also well-equipped. The Tohoku region has surplus power generation capacity, and Onagawa Nuclear Power Plant Unit 2 will resume commercial operation in June this year.'

It then pointed out, 'Kyushu and Tohoku are also blessed with industrial water and industrial land. Furthermore, the ability to quickly secure excellent human resources from local national universities is also an advantage of both regions.' It also reported, 'The Japanese government is actively attracting global semiconductor companies. In Kumamoto Prefecture, the construction of TSMC's factory was completed in just 28 months, and Micron is also building an advanced memory factory in Hiroshima Prefecture with government support. According to Japanese media, foreign semiconductor companies' investments in Japan reached 6 trillion yen as of last month.'

Furthermore, it mentioned, 'There is also a view that, amidst the pressure from the United States for semiconductor investment and the rise of China's semiconductor industry, Japan is a realistic option to overcome these challenges. Concentrating production capacity in a specific country or a single domestic location increases geopolitical risks. Japan is a friendly nation geographically and logistically close to South Korea, and synergistic effects from cooperation between the two countries can also be expected.'

According to the article, Chairman Chey Tae-won stated in an 'interview with Japanese media, 'If South Korea and Japan unite, we will become a 6 trillion-dollar economy, the world's fourth-largest economic bloc. We can secure stronger negotiating power and influence.'

According to industry insiders, there have recently been moves by China to acquire technologically advanced Japanese manufacturers, backed by massive funds, and the same source reportedly pointed out, 'For South Korea to maintain its leadership in the semiconductor industry, strategic cooperation with Japan is more important than ever.'

In response to this article, Korean netizens commented, 'Japan's goal is to surpass South Korean semiconductors, not to cooperate,' 'We should urgently promote the domestic production of semiconductor materials, components, and equipment,' and 'In conclusion, the global semiconductor industry cannot exist without Japanese materials, components, and equipment.'

Furthermore, comments expressing concern about earthquakes were seen, such as 'What about earthquakes?', 'A country with many earthquakes is dangerous,' and 'Wouldn't it be better to attract Japanese companies rather than for us to go there? Even one earthquake can cause considerable damage.' There were also remarks regarding labor unions, such as 'With troublesome labor unions, there's no way they'd want to come to South Korea,' and 'To the labor unions of hynix and Samsung: The factories are reportedly going to Japan. They're fleeing because you demand too much money.' (Translation/Editing: Mae)