www.trendforce.com, Jun. 11, 2025 –
According to a report from MoneyDJ, citing Nikkei, Japanese automaker Honda is reportedly considering investing in Rapidus, Japan’s public-private foundry venture, to secure access to advanced chips and prepare for potential geopolitical risks.
Nikkei notes that Honda is weighing a stake in Rapidus in the second half of fiscal 2025, which ends next March. While details are still being finalized, the investment is expected to total several billion yen, according to the report.
As Nikkei indicates, Honda plans to design semiconductors for autonomous vehicles while outsourcing chip production to external foundries. The report highlights that Toyota Motor is already a key shareholder in Rapidus.
Notably, in 2023, Honda signed a strategic collaboration agreement with TSMC for the procurement of automotive chips, Nikkei points out. TSMC is expected to begin mass production of 2nm chips in the second half of 2025, as mentioned by the report.
Meanwhile, Rapidus aims to begin mass production of 2nm chips in 2027, with its pilot production line already in operation since April 2025, as noted by MoneyDJ. Nikkei further highlights that Rapidus expects to complete its prototype chips (samples) by July 2025. The Nikkei report, citing President Atsuyoshi Koike, notes that some degree of validation for the prototype chips is expected to be possible between mid- and late July.
Rapidus Reportedly Pursues Broad Client Base, From Giants to Startups
Rapidus has been actively engaging with potential clients. According to its press release, the company is in discussions with a wide range of prospects, from major established firms to emerging AI startups. While no specific customers were disclosed, GAFAM companies were cited as examples of the types of firms Rapidus is currently in talks with, as its press release states.
MoneyDJ notes that Rapidus was established in August 2022 with joint investment from Japanese companies including Toyota, Sony, NTT, NEC, SoftBank, Denso, Kioxia, and Mitsubishi UFJ. The report also indicates that these existing shareholders have agreed to provide additional funding.
In addition to Honda, Fujitsu, Sumitomo Mitsui Bank, Mizuho Bank, and the Development Bank of Japan have expressed interest in investing. Rapidus is currently in talks with them, aiming to raise JPY 100 billion, according to MoneyDJ.
To achieve its goal of mass-producing 2nm chips by 2027, Rapidus estimates it will need around JPY 5 trillion in total funding. While the Japanese government has pledged approximately JPY 1.72 trillion in support, a funding gap of over JPY 3 trillion remains, as highlighted by MoneyDJ.Click here to read more