TSMC plans to build a second chip factory in Japan, thanks in part to the country’s government considering providing it with a subsidy of up to RMB 44.1 billion ($6.04 billion), Japanese media outlet The Asahi Shimbun has reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. Currently, TSMC is constructing its first Japanese chip factory in Kumamoto Prefecture, with production expected to begin in December 2024. On October 4, during the recent Increase Domestic Investment Cooperation Forum, Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida published a new round of economic stimulus plans. The Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) of Japan will allocate a budget of approximately RMB 166.6 billion ($22.81 billion) to establish three funds for semiconductor production and R&D. These three funds are the Post-5G Intelligence Communication System Enhancement R&D Fund, the Specific Semiconductor Fund, and the Stable Supply Support Fund. [Icsmart, in Chinese]