Key Facts
• On August 27, JR Kyushu announced plans to build an office building near Higo-Ozu Station.
• The building will be located on land currently owned by JR Kyushu, 2 minutes on foot from the station.
• It is 8 minutes by car from the Semiconductor Technology Park, home to TSMC’s first factory.
• The project aims to attract semiconductor-related companies, leveraging TSMC’s presence in the area.
• JR Kyushu President Yoji Furuya stated the focus will be on leasing to Semiconductor Technology Park companies.
• The building is scheduled for completion in January 2027, with multiple inquiries already received.
• Higo-Ozu Station is a key location, connecting to Aso Kumamoto Airport via an airport access railway.
• On the same day, Ozu Town Mayor Hideki Kaneda announced urban development plans near the station.
• Plans include commercial facilities and a pedestrian passage connecting the station’s north and south sides.
• TSMC’s first factory began mass production in December 2024, while the second factory’s construction is delayed to late 2025 due to traffic concerns.
Summary
JR Kyushu has unveiled plans to construct an office building near Higo-Ozu Station, aiming to attract semiconductor-related companies, particularly those associated with TSMC. The building, located 2 minutes from the station and 8 minutes from the Semiconductor Technology Park, is set for completion in January 2027. This development aligns with broader urban planning initiatives announced by Ozu Town, including commercial facilities and improved station access. TSMC’s first factory in the area began operations in December 2024, while the second factory’s construction faces delays. The project highlights the region’s growing importance as a semiconductor hub.
