TSMC Gradually Restarts Japan Chip Plant After Kumamoto Earthquake

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the world's largest contract chipmaker, has started gradually restoring operations at its Japan semiconductor facility after a powerful earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture forced the temporary evacuation of employees.

The 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck near Kumamoto in southern Japan, killing at least 13 people, damaging roads, and causing widespread power outages across the region. The disaster prompted TSMC to suspend operations at its Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing (JASM) plant as a precaution while safety checks were carried out.

TSMC confirmed that all employees were safely evacuated and that post-earthquake inspections found no structural damage to the facility. Following the initial assessments, the company said production is being resumed in phases while engineers continue detailed inspections to evaluate any potential effects on manufacturing equipment and production lines.

The company also reported that construction of the second phase of its JASM expansion project was not damaged by the earthquake. However, work at the site has been temporarily paused as a safety measure due to the risk of aftershocks, with construction expected to resume once conditions stabilize.

The Kumamoto plant, which began commercial production earlier this year, represents a major milestone in TSMC's strategy to diversify its global manufacturing footprint beyond Taiwan. The facility plays a critical role in strengthening Japan's domestic semiconductor supply chain and supporting demand from automotive, industrial, and technology customers.

Japan has invested heavily in the project through government subsidies as part of a broader effort to secure semiconductor production and reduce supply chain vulnerabilities amid rising geopolitical tensions. The phased restart of the Kumamoto plant is expected to reassure customers and investors that TSMC's operations remain resilient despite the natural disaster, while reinforcing the company's commitment to maintaining stable global chip production and supporting Japan's long-term semiconductor ambitions.