[Title] Video Message by Prime Minister Kishida for the Symposium on Semiconductor Strategy at the University of Tokyo

I am KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan. It is my great pleasure to see a large number of representatives from Japan's leading semiconductor-related companies, universities, research institutes and others gathering for the "Symposium on Japan　Semiconductor Strategy."

Semiconductors are a key technology that is essential to the realization of digitalization and decarbonization, as well as a crucial strategic material in light of economic security. Generative AI, also a focus of attention these days, would not be possible without semiconductors. Securing a stable supply of semiconductors is an urgent issue for the economy and society of Japan and the world.

Once the world's top semiconductor powerhouse, Japan is now set to make a giant leap forward again in this sector after a long period of hardships.

In May this year, just prior to the G7 Hiroshima Summit, we invited to the Prime Minister's Office the heads of semiconductor-related companies from around the world to exchange views with them. We heard their voices from geopolitical perspectives, as well as those expressed given our Government's strong support for the semiconductor industry. They include a remark that: "We regard Japan as one of the leading players in the global semiconductor supply chain, where we plan to actively invest."

While foreign companies have expressed such a strong appetite for investment, Japanese counterparts are no exception. The Government as a whole will make efforts to strengthen Japan's semiconductor production infrastructure, while also seeking to realize next-generation semiconductors through cooperation with like-minded countries and regions, among other initiatives. Toward the end of the year, we will set up an investment support package to create an environment that is competitive on a global scale in all aspects of budget, taxation and regulation.

In closing, I would like to express my sincere hope that this symposium will provide an opportunity for lively discussions on the future of the semiconductor industry, while also wishing all participants health and success. Thank you very much.