NHK


 

Japan and the United States have agreed to work together to develop the next generation of semiconductors. Experts welcome the move as a being beneficial to both sides.

The announcement came in a joint statement on Monday following a leaders' summit in Tokyo. It said they plan to set up a task force for chip development and work toward strengthening the supply chain.

Minamikawa Akira, senior director at the British research firm Omdia, says Russia's invasion of Ukraine demonstrates how easily the world's supply chain can be broken. He says enhanced cooperation between Japan and the US can lead to a more stable supply.

Minamikawa notes that US chip makers account for about half of global sales, while Japan has an edge in materials, with more than 50 percent of the world market.

He says, "When we look at the supply chain as a whole, America's expertise and Japan's strength can complement each other. So the two countries make excellent partners."

Minamikawa also expressed hopes that Tokyo and Washington will work together on developing human talent.