SK Hynix is considering a major memory chip plant in Japan’s Miyagi prefecture as AI-driven demand fuels the need for additional production capacity.
South Korean memory chipmaker SK Hynix is considering building a semiconductor manufacturing facility in Japan’s Miyagi prefecture as it looks to expand production capacity amid rising global demand for memory chips, according to a report by The Hankyoreh, citing industry sources.
The proposed investment could amount to tens of trillions of won, although SK Hynix has not made a final decision on the project. The company said that any location with the infrastructure required for semiconductor manufacturing could potentially be considered.
SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won recently visited Miyagi, a region identified as one of Japan’s semiconductor industry hubs. His visit has fueled speculation that the area could be under consideration for a major SK Hynix investment.
If the project moves forward, it would reportedly become the first large-scale semiconductor manufacturing investment in Japan by a South Korean chipmaker. The move would also strengthen SK Hynix’s manufacturing presence outside South Korea and support efforts to meet growing demand for memory products.
The potential investment comes as the global memory market benefits from the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and data centres. AI systems require large quantities of advanced memory, including high-bandwidth memory (HBM), an area in which SK Hynix is a major supplier.
Japan, meanwhile, is seeking to strengthen its semiconductor industry by attracting major investments and developing regional chip manufacturing hubs. Miyagi is among the locations being positioned to support semiconductor-related production and infrastructure.
SK Hynix stressed that no investment decision has been taken yet. The company’s statement leaves open the possibility of considering multiple locations based on factors such as infrastructure availability.
A large-scale project in Japan could deepen semiconductor ties between the two countries while giving SK Hynix additional manufacturing capacity closer to key Asian technology and electronics markets. However, the scale, timing and final location of any potential investment remain undecided.
