Part 6/12:

The global semiconductor industry is undergoing a strategic renaissance, with countries like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the US investing heavily to regain or establish supremacy in chip manufacturing. Historically, Japan was a dominant force in semiconductors during the 1980s, controlling around 70% of the DRAM market. However, overinvestment and economic downturns in the 1990s led to Japan's retreat from prominent industry leadership, with current production accounting for less than 10% of global semiconductors. Now, Japan sees an opportunity to leverage the shifting manufacturing landscape to make a comeback, focusing on advanced materials and manufacturing processes.