Hokkaido University's Semiconductor Frontier Education and Research Organization (IFERS) will be holding an event titled "The Future of the World and Japan's Outlook as Seen by the Author of 'The Vulture' - Is There Hope for Semiconductors?".
With the entry of Rapidus, which aims to domestically produce next-generation semiconductors, Hokkaido is beginning to stand in the midst of a major global trend in the semiconductor industry. Semiconductors not only support our lives and social infrastructure in areas such as AI, automobiles, medicine, and energy, but are also essential for economic security and international competition.
In his novel series "The Vulture," Jin Mayama has depicted the light and shadow of capitalism. In his new novel "Chips," he delves into the motives of corporations, nations, and individuals surrounding semiconductors. The future of semiconductors is not solely the responsibility of engineers and researchers. Students who will soon enter society in fields such as economics, law, international relations, education, design, and community development are the ones who will shape the next era.
We hope this event will serve as an opportunity for you to consider the significance of thinking about semiconductors in Hokkaido today, and to reflect on the future of the world and Japan's prospects as your own personal concerns.
Speaker Profiles
Jin Mayama
Novelist. Debuted in 2004 with "Hagetaka," a novel depicting corporate acquisitions and the revitalization of the Japanese economy.
This work and its sequel, "Buyout," served as the basis for the NHK Saturday drama "Hagetaka," and the third book in the series, "Red Zone," also served as the basis for the film "Hagetaka."
Known for his style of depicting the contradictions of capitalism, corporations, nations, and society, as well as human decisions, based on thorough research.
In February 2026, the sixth installment in the Vulture series, "Chips Vulture 6," will be published.
This story, centered around a Taiwanese company boasting world-class technology in the manufacturing of micro-semiconductors, explores the current state of economic security, industrial competition, and national strategy surrounding semiconductors, through the intertwining interests of the United States, China, and Japan, which aims to revive its semiconductor industry.
Overview
Date and time: July 16, 2026 (Thursday) 18:20-20:00 (doors open 18:00)
Venue: Auditorium, Building 5, Faculty of School of Science, Hokkaido University. *For those unable to attend in person (e.g., those affiliated with fisheries science, environmental science, or the Hokkaido University Research Forest), online participation will be arranged. Please check the appropriate box on the application form.
Participation fee: 270 people, first-come, first-served basis.
For more details, please click here. *This will take you to the website of the Semiconductor Frontier Education and Research Organization, Hokkaido University.
