Storylines / Organisation
METI
6 developments involving METI in 2 countries and bodies. The most recent is METI picks 16 projects for the fourth round of GENIAC compute support, 4 Jun 2026.
KeyStory
- METI picks 16 projects for the fourth round of GENIAC compute support
Japanese model developers have a fourth round of state-funded compute through GENIAC, the main government route to training domestic models.
- Rapidus starts its 2nm pilot line in Hokkaido after ¥802.5bn more in state aid
Japan’s state-funded attempt at a domestic leading-edge foundry reached working equipment. AI chip designers could have a supplier outside Taiwan and Korea from 2027.
- Japan approves up to ¥590bn more for chipmaker Rapidus, including back-end work
Japan is paying directly for a domestic leading-edge foundry, which would give AI chip designers a supplier outside Taiwan and Korea if Rapidus reaches volume.
- Japan’s GENIAC programme gives seven groups government compute to train foundation models
Japanese model builders short of GPUs gained subsidised access to large clusters, and the government began funding domestic foundation models directly.
- Japan adds 23 chipmaking tool types to its export licence list from 23 July
Japanese makers of these chipmaking tools need a licence for each export, which lets Tokyo refuse shipments to Chinese fabs without naming China.
- Japan adds ¥260bn in subsidies for Rapidus and its 2nm pilot fab in Hokkaido
Japan’s government took on most of the early cost of Rapidus, a new domestic company aiming to make 2nm logic chips in Japan.