Japan (JASM Kumamoto)
Kumamoto fab 1 in volume production since end-2024; TSMC evaluating 3nm for fab 2 (February 2026)
What it is
JASM is TSMC's Japan subsidiary in Kumamoto. Its first specialty technology fab began volume production at the end of 2024. In February 2026 TSMC said it was evaluating converting the second fab, already under construction and originally planned for 6-12nm chips, to 3nm, with the Japanese prime minister welcoming the proposal.
Why it matters to the stock. Kumamoto is the test of TSMC's multi-country footprint and of the policy support behind it. A move from specialty nodes to 3nm at the second fab raises the stakes and the subsidy size.
News
Taiwan approves TSMC plan to make 3nm chips at second Kumamoto fab
Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs approved TSMC's plan on March 31, 2026 to make 3nm chips at its second Kumamoto, Japan fab.
TSMC weighs switching second Kumamoto fab from 6-12nm chips to 3nm
On February 5, 2026 TSMC said it was evaluating a change for the second Kumamoto, Japan fab, which had been planned for 6-12nm chips, to make 3nm chips.