“100年に１度”ラピダス進出で半導体バブルに沸く北海道千歳市　一足先にTSMCの工場が開所した熊本に学ぶ「期待と懸念」

Semiconductor factories are currently under construction in Kumamoto in the west and Chitose in the east. The scale of the investment is being described as a "once in a century" event, and changes are already beginning to be seen in the towns and cities. Taiwan's TSMC is the world's largest contract manufacturer of semiconductors. Its first factory in Japan opened today in Kikuyo Town, Kumamoto Prefecture. Semiconductors, used in smartphones, home appliances and more, are also known as the "rice of industry," and locals are excited about this "once in a century opportunity." This is Lapidus in Chitose City, Hokkaido, where construction is underway on a factory to produce "logic semiconductors," which act as the brains of electronic devices. As with Kumamoto, major economic impacts are expected. Atsushi Sawada, Deputy Director of the Chitose City Next-Generation Semiconductor Hub Promotion Department "Kumamoto and Chitose both use logic semiconductors, so I think they have a lot in common. Naturally, we're expecting similar economic benefits." Kumamoto, where a massive factory has already appeared, overlaps with Hokkaido's future. TSMC's new factory is scheduled to begin semiconductor production within the year, with mass production planned to begin by 2027. The construction of a second factory to produce advanced semiconductors has also been announced, with a total investment of 3 trillion yen. The impact is completely changing the town's landscape. Yukihisa Matsunaga, Chairman of the Ozu Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Kumamoto Prefecture (last June) "I wonder if this is a bubble." Ozu Town, next to Kikuyo Town, where the new factory is located, is also experiencing a construction boom for condominiums and apartments. According to the "standard land prices" published last September, Ozu Town had the highest rate of increase in commercial land prices in the country. Yukihisa Matsunaga, Chairman of the Ozu Town Chamber of Commerce, Kumamoto Prefecture (June 2019) "When people who've been away from Kumamoto for five years return, they're like, 'Where is this?' It's changed so much." The downtown area, devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic, is beginning to regain its vitality thanks to construction workers and others. The impact is also being felt among inbound tourists. Taiwan's Starlux Airlines and China Airlines have both launched flights to Kumamoto. Kumamoto's tourist spots are now bustling with tourists from Taiwan. Meanwhile, Chitose is following in Kumamoto's footsteps. Chitose resident (26th) "I have the impression it's quiet (at night), so I hope it gets livelier." "I'm hoping for an uptick in people, logistics, and other things." Rapidus is building a semiconductor factory. With thousands of workers expected to visit Chitose, real estate activity is also on the rise. Real Estate Mizo, Representative Director Kunio Mizo "Thanks to you, construction workers are here, and 99 percent of the spaces are filled." In the "standard land prices" published last year, residential areas near Chitose Station recorded the highest rate of increase in the country, demonstrating strong demand. According to a survey of listings for rental properties for single people in Chitose City by housing information service Life Homes, the number of listings dropped significantly around the time of Lapidus's "Chitose expansion" and "start of construction" last year, which means there is a shortage of properties. Real Estate Mizo, Representative Director Kunio Mizo "I'm actually the one who's worried about what we'll do when students and young people come here." The downtown area near Chitose Station, long a familiar neighborhood for local residents, is said to be experiencing fewer people than before the coronavirus pandemic, with many buildings closed. Amid this, hopes are high for a tailwind for Lapidus Construction. Shimeya Charcoal Grill Staff "Corporate presidents started coming to our store, and it seems like the customer flow completely changed within a month or two. Speaking with people in the same industry, as construction progresses, construction site workers are coming and asking us to use their store, or saying they already use it, and we're exchanging information." Kumamoto is experiencing a bubble-like frenzy. However, some people are also being thrown into turmoil by this rapid development. Kumamoto Prefecture is planning to widen the road south of the new factory, and this acquisition plan includes the land of surrounding livestock farmers, leaving them with nowhere to go. Toshiaki Saito, President of Hoho Livestock "You're kidding, right? That's what I'm saying." The plan for this ranch included two cowsheds and three or four feed fields. Toshiaki Saito, President of Hoho Livestock "It's good to see so many things developing, and we want to support them, but we want them to be more considerate of our feelings as people who have lived and farmed there." Semiconductor-re...