TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The planned opening of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's (TSMC) new plant in Kikuyo, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, on Feb. 24, has breathed new life into the local economy and nightlife, with some customers spending up to 1 million yen – about NT$208,000 daily.
The transformation of the Kikuyo community due to TSMC's arrival has drawn international attention, being described as a "meteoric impact" in Shūkan Gendai, a Japanese weekly magazine.
The presence of TSMC has boosted sales across the board in food, clothing, housing, and transportation industries, particularly prepackaged meals and prepared foods at convenience stores near the company's locations seeing a five-fold increase in revenue.
According to locals, TSMC's establishment has also reshaped Kumamoto's nightlife.
For instance, a 32-year-old decorator shared that their increased workload and income provide additional disposable income for leisure expenses like clubbing or buying cars.
A local bar owner reported customers spending 300,000 yen (around NT$63,000) in one night, and a group of four spending 1 million yen each on alcoholic drinks for three consecutive nights.
TSMC decided in 2021 to set up its first plant in Kikuyo, a project costing over 1 trillion yen (about NT$208.6 billion). The Japanese government contributed up to 476 billion yen (roughly NT$99.3 billion).
The company expects to start mass production at the factory by December this year, with an anticipated capacity of 55,000 wafers per month.
In addition, TSMC has announced plans on Feb. 6 for a second factory near the first Kikuyo plant. and is considering another (third) one.
