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Kikuyo Town Mayor Takatoshi Yoshimoto discusses balancing semiconductor industry growth with agriculture
Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 08:07 PM
Kikuyo Town Mayor Takatoshi Yoshimoto outlined plans to balance semiconductor industrial development with local agriculture and urban planning, following the establishment of major manufacturing hubs in the region.
Context
In an interview with Nikkei, Kikuyo Town Mayor Takatoshi Yoshimoto emphasized his vision for a dual-track development strategy that balances the massive influx of the semiconductor industry with the town's traditional agricultural roots. Following TSMC's decision to locate its first and second Japanese factories in the region, Yoshimoto stated his goal is to make semiconductor industry and agriculture the two wheels of town development. He also highlighted plans for a robot museum to inspire the next generation, reflecting the town's shift toward a high-tech hub while maintaining its identity as a major producer of carrots and other crops. This balance is critical as TSMC’s operations are projected to consume 8 million cubic meters of groundwater daily by 2028, roughly 5% of the region's annual supply. To mitigate environmental impact, the town is collaborating on groundwater replenishment programs where post-harvest rice paddies are flooded during winter. With TSMC's second fab scheduled for construction in April 2025, the local government is also fast-tracking infrastructure, including a new JR Hohi Line station and international schooling, to accommodate an influx of 1,700 employees and their families.
Sources (13)
半導体産業と農業、町づくりの両輪に 熊本県菊陽町長 吉本孝寿氏Taiwan’s TSMC faces groundwater issue at Kumamoto plant | Taiwan News | Aug. 20, 2024 16:33 Japan's chipmaking rush pressures Kumamoto's special water supply - The Japan Times Kumamoto goes all out to prepare for influx tied to TSMC chip plant | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and AnalysisWill TSMC build a wafer fab here? Focusing on 12nm?-Electronics ...[PDF] Japan - 2024 - amro-asia.org【TSMC進出】11兆円の衝撃！熊本・菊陽町が描く「新生シリコン ...台湾で愛を日本へチャリティー1.15億元 - lavender
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