The Semiconductor Frontier Education and Research Organization at Hokkaido University will host a special lecture entitled "The Theory of Japan's Revival - Rapidus x Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry x Hokkaido University".
Semiconductors are attracting unprecedented attention as a fundamental technology supporting economic security and the digital society. It goes without saying that this will have a significant impact on the future of Hokkaido.
In this lecture, we will welcome Mr. Atsuyoshi Koike, Representative Director and CEO of Rapidus Inc., and Mr. Kazumi Nishikawa, Counselor in the Minister's Secretariat of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, who is in charge of Japan's semiconductor and digital policy. From their respective positions, Rapidus, which is developing advanced semiconductors for mass production in 2027, and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, which is promoting this national strategy, will discuss the future that Japan's semiconductor industry is aiming for, the significance of this as a national project, and the challenges and prospects for its realization.
Furthermore, they will discuss Mr. Koike's career as an engineer and Mr. Nishikawa's experience in policy-making, as well as their expectations for the next generation of talent. This will also be Mr. Koike's first special lecture since assuming his position as a visiting professor at Hokkaido University. Please come and hear about the current state of cutting-edge semiconductor strategy that will shape Japan's future.
Overview
Date and Time: Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 16:30 - 19:45 *Doors open at 16:00
Timetable
16:30-16:35 Opening remarks
16:35-17:45 Rapidus: Lecture and Q&A session by Mr. Koike
17:55-19:05 Lecture and Q&A session by Mr. Nishikawa from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
19:15-19:40 General discussion
19:40-19:45 Closing Ceremony
*Break times are from 17:45 to 17:55 and from 19:05 to 19:15.
Venue: Suzuki Akira Hall, 2nd Floor, Frontier Applied Science Research Building, Hokkaido University
Participation fee: Free
For details on how to apply, please see here. *This will take you to the Hokkaido University Faculty of School of Engineering website.
