Kyocera, Fujifilm join growing list of investors eyeing Rapidus

Following megabanks' loan commitments, Kyocera, Fujifilm Holdings and others including Honda, Fujitsu and Canon are considering equity stakes in Rapidus to support its 2027 semiconductor mass production goals, targeting ¥130 billion in new private investments by March 2026.

Building on recent announcements of up to ¥2 trillion in loans from Japan's three megabanks and prior equity investments totaling ¥7.3 billion from firms like MUFG Bank, Toyota, Sony and SoftBank, additional Japanese companies are poised to bolster Rapidus.

Kyocera, Fujifilm Holdings, Honda Motor, Fujitsu and Canon are among those eyeing stakes, per sources. Other potentials include Nagase & Co., which supplies materials to Rapidus' Hokkaido plant, and Argo Graphics, a semiconductor software developer.

The three megabanks—MUFG, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking and Mizuho—plus the Development Bank of Japan plan up to ¥25 billion in new investments. Regional banks like North Pacific Bank and Higo Bank are also considering participation.

Japan's government has pledged around ¥1.7 trillion, including ¥100 billion last month, to spur private funding and enhance national semiconductor competitiveness via Rapidus' Hokkaido operations.

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Tokyo Stock Exchange traders celebrate as Nikkei hits record 54,364.54, driven by election speculation and weak yen.
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Japan's Nikkei stock average hits record high above 54,000

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On January 14, 2026, Japan's Nikkei stock average surged to a record high of 54,364.54. Speculation over a snap election by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi fueled hopes for expanded fiscal stimulus, while a weakening yen boosted exporters. Meanwhile, bond yields rose amid fiscal concerns.

Japan's three megabanks plan to provide loans totaling up to ¥2 trillion in stages from fiscal 2027 to Rapidus, aiming to mass-produce cutting-edge chips. This marks the first private-sector loan to the Japanese chipmaker. Government guarantees will support the effort to bolster the semiconductor sector.

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With Japan's defense budget on the rise, manufacturers specializing in defense materials like radar and missiles are expanding workforces and increasing capital expenditures. This is driven by the government's five-year plan starting in fiscal 2023 for substantial budget increases and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's proactive defense stance. Companies anticipate further order growth, turning defense-related business into a burgeoning sector.

Chinese semiconductor industry experts and executives express confidence in handling potential Japanese restrictions on photoresist exports to China, highlighting domestic alternatives and supply chain diversification. No production disruptions have been reported so far.

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Transaction volume for deals involving Japanese companies approached $350 billion by the end of 2025, marking a record year. Corporate governance reforms aimed at improving shareholder returns have fueled this surge. Next year is expected to be even busier.

A government expert panel has recommended the Institute of Science Tokyo as a candidate for designation as a University for International Research Excellence in a report released on Friday. This status would make it eligible for aid from a ¥10 trillion Japanese government fund supporting universities. Currently, Tohoku University is the only institution with this recognition.

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Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical, maker of Salonpas pain-relief patches, announced a ¥457 billion ($2.9 billion) management buyout to go private, signaling a wave of similar deals among Japanese drugmakers. Shares surged 19%, the biggest gain in over 47 years. The move aims for greater flexibility amid short-term investor scrutiny and government-mandated price cuts.

 

 

 

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