Japanese manufacturers from Oita prefecture are courting Taichung companies to get into TSMC's supply chain, a positive sign for both regions' industrial ties.

• An Oita industry delegation met Taichung firms for two days of matchmaking, drawing more than a hundred business, government, and academic guests.
• The draw is location: Oita is a two-hour drive from TSMC's Kumamoto plant, and Japanese suppliers want in on the chip supply chain.
• The visiting group spans chip equipment, automation, precision machining, industrial materials, chemicals, printing, and food preservation.
• The pitch is complementary strengths — Japan brings quality and technology, Taichung brings speed, flexibility, and an existing supply chain for chips and drones.
• The two sides have been trading visits for a decade and signed a cooperation agreement in 2018, with annual exchanges resuming after a pandemic pause.

Outlook: Expect more one-on-one deals and site visits as both sides push for a permanent yearly cooperation setup.