New station and town development plan for Kumamoto’s semiconductor district as rents and land values rise
JR Kyushu is planning to open a new station alongside the Hohi Line between Haramizu and Sanrigi Stations in 2027. In conjunction, Kikuyo Town has published details on the 70-hectare land readjustment project or land re-zoning and planning to coincide with this new station.Read more
Another semiconductor plant for Kumamoto?
Kikuyo Town near Kumamoto, the center of Kyushu’s semiconductor manufacturing boom, is preparing a new industrial park across the street from TSMC’s two chip plants with the goal of getting TSMC to open a third facility.Read more
Kitakyushu next in line for semiconductor boom?
Kyushu may have a new hotspot, with Taiwan-based Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, Inc. (ASE) signing a provisional purchase agreement on land in Kitakyushu on July 31. The site offers good access to water, logistics infrastructure, and a pool of talent in the science and tech sectors.Read more
Housing starts plummet near Kumamoto's semiconductor plants despite strong demand
Despite the excitement surrounding the new semiconductor plants in Kumamoto, new housing starts in Kikuyo and Ōzu towns have dropped drastically. In February of 2024, housing starts were over 30% higher than they were 12 months prior, but in March they had dropped 50% y-o-y.Read more