Mitsui Fudosan is exploring plans to develop a semiconductor-focused science park in Kumamoto prefecture as the southwestern Japanese region emerges as a technology hub.
The Tokyo-based real estate developer intends to collaborate with Taiwanese academic partners that have expertise in similar projects, President Takashi Ueda told reporters Thursday in Taiwan. The company signed agreements last year with Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and the Industrial Technology Research Institute to advance the initiative.
Ueda referred to Kumamoto as the center of “Kyushu Silicon Island,” highlighting the region’s growing importance in Japan’s semiconductor ecosystem. The area has attracted significant investment, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.’s first Japanese fabrication facility, which began mass production late last year. A second TSMC fab is scheduled to open in 2027.
While timing and location details remain unspecified, Ueda indicated the company would coordinate with local authorities on the project, which aims to bring chip-related businesses and research institutions together.
The announcement came as Mitsui Fudosan opened its fifth large commercial facility in Taiwan – LaLaport Taipei Nangang mall. The company expects the shopping center to generate NT$10 billion ($303 million) in annual revenue once fully operational with 300 tenants by 2026.
