日本功率半导体，大撤退

Core Viewpoint - The semiconductor industry is experiencing a shift in focus from power semiconductors to emerging technologies like AI chips and HBM, leading to a decline in the prominence of power semiconductor manufacturers, particularly in Japan [4][5]. Group 1: Current Landscape of Power Semiconductors - The demand for power semiconductors is expected to grow due to the rapid development of industries such as electric vehicles, photovoltaics, and wind power, alongside the adoption of wide-bandgap semiconductor materials [7]. - Japanese manufacturers, once dominant in the power semiconductor market, are facing challenges as their expansion plans are delayed, resulting in a loss of market share [10][11]. - In 2024, only three Japanese companies remain in the global top ten power semiconductor manufacturers, with each holding less than 5% market share [11][12]. Group 2: Challenges Faced by Japanese Manufacturers - Rohm has reported a net loss of 50 billion yen for the fiscal year ending March 2025, marking its first annual loss in 12 years, and has had to scale back its investment plans significantly [15][16]. - Toshiba's collaboration with Rohm has stalled, and its investments in power semiconductors have not yielded expected returns, leading to a slowdown in its growth [19][20]. - Renesas Electronics has announced a net loss of 175.3 billion yen in the first half of 2025 and has decided to abandon its plans to enter the silicon carbide (SiC) market due to competitive pressures and market conditions [21][22][24]. Group 3: Reasons for the Decline - Internally, Japanese companies struggle with a lack of trust and collaboration, which hampers their ability to integrate and innovate effectively [32][33]. - Externally, the rise of Chinese semiconductor companies has intensified competition, with these firms rapidly gaining market share and driving down prices, putting pressure on Japanese manufacturers [34][36]. - The global electric vehicle market has not developed as anticipated, leading to overcapacity and insufficient returns on investments made by Japanese firms [34]. Group 4: The Rise of Chinese Semiconductor Companies - Chinese companies are rapidly establishing themselves in the power semiconductor market, leveraging low energy costs and a large domestic market to achieve scale and reduce costs [36][38]. - Companies like Tianjiao and Tianyue have emerged as leaders in the silicon carbide substrate market, significantly impacting the competitive landscape [36][39]. - The technological gap between Japanese and Chinese firms is narrowing, with Chinese companies quickly catching up in both silicon and silicon carbide technologies [40]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The Japanese power semiconductor industry must undergo significant restructuring and collaboration to regain competitiveness in the global market [42][43]. - There is a need for Japanese companies to diversify their product offerings beyond electric vehicles and focus on emerging markets such as industrial automation and energy [43].