Economic Challenges - The Japanese economy is facing significant constraints due to demographic issues, with a focus on the long-term impact of population decline and aging [1][5] - The government has initiated the "Japan Growth Strategy Council" to implement active fiscal policies aimed at increasing income, improving consumer confidence, and enhancing tax revenue [1] - Despite achieving a 5.4% wage increase agreement in 2025, real wage income is still declining due to rising prices, indicating a need for wages to grow at least 3% to meet sustainable inflation targets [3][5] Inflation Impact - The core consumer price index in Tokyo rose by 2.8% year-on-year as of October 31, surpassing previous expectations, with nationwide price increases remaining above the Bank of Japan's 2% target for three and a half years [3] - The rising cost of living, particularly for essential goods, is significantly impacting low-income groups, leading to increased financial strain on the population [3][4] Corporate and Labor Market Dynamics - The number of bankrupt companies in Japan with debts exceeding 10 million yen reached 4,990 in the first half of 2025, marking a 1% increase from the previous year, highlighting the financial strain on small and medium-sized enterprises [4] - Large corporations are raising wages, but the cost is often passed onto suppliers, which poses challenges for small businesses that employ 70% of the workforce [3][4] Demographic Trends - Japan's total population is projected to be slightly above 124.33 million in 2024, reflecting a decrease of approximately 554,500 from 2023, continuing a 16-year trend of population decline [5] - The aging population is leading to increased social security expenditures, which accounted for 33.1% of the total fiscal budget in the 2025 initial budget proposal [5] Workforce Investment - Addressing labor shortages is seen as a structural issue, with calls for reforms in human resource systems to attract talent through flexible work arrangements and salary structures [6] - There is an emphasis on increasing investments in human capital, particularly focusing on women's potential and enhancing productivity in small and medium enterprises [6]

Core Viewpoint - The establishment of RISE-A by Mitsui Fudosan aims to create a collaborative platform for the semiconductor industry, addressing the need for innovation and cooperation among various stakeholders in Japan's semiconductor ecosystem [1][2]. Group 1: RISE-A Establishment - Mitsui Fudosan has officially launched RISE-A, a general incorporated association focused on the semiconductor sector, and is starting membership recruitment [1]. - RISE-A plans to set up an office in Nihonbashi by October 2025 to facilitate its activities [1]. Group 2: Semiconductor Industry Context - The semiconductor industry is recognized as a national strategic core in Japan, with the government planning to invest over 10 trillion yen in AI and semiconductor fields by 2030, aiming for an economic ripple effect of approximately 160 trillion yen [2]. - Japan's semiconductor market share has been declining since the 1990s, necessitating the establishment of a co-creation mechanism that includes not only suppliers but also user companies, academia, and support organizations [2]. Group 3: Goals of RISE-A - RISE-A aims to create a collaborative environment that allows various stakeholders, including user companies and academia, to share knowledge and experiences in the semiconductor field [2]. - The organization seeks to foster an innovative ecosystem that enhances Japan's global competitiveness in next-generation industries [2].