INTERVIEW: Nikon to Focus Investment on Semiconductor Business

Tokyo, July 17 (Jiji Press)–Nikon Corp. plans to focus its growth investment on semiconductor lithography equipment, President and CEO Yasuhiro Omura said in an interview. “Semiconductor lithography equipment will have a large volume,” Omura said, referring to the Japanese precision machinery maker’s plan to spend 360 billion yen by fiscal 2030 to fuel its growth. Semiconductor lithography equipment is a device that uses light to transfer precise circuit patterns onto a substrate. Dutch maker ASML Holding NV holds an overwhelming share of the market for the equipment. Demand for the equipment used to make data center chips is expected to keep growing amid the spread of artificial intelligence technology. In fiscal 2027, which starts next April, Nikon will introduce a new model for downstream processes to assemble high-performance chips. The new model has the ability to draw high-definition circuits and its productivity has been improved by 30 pct, Omura said, adding that it is “highly competitive.” In its mainstay camera business, which accounts for about 40 pct of its consolidated sales, Nikon will focus on the video field. The company will utilize technology from RED.com LLC, a U.S. cinema camera maker that it acquired in 2024, to strengthen cameras that can take clear videos. “I want to grow a brand called ‘Nikon of video,'” he said. In fiscal 2025, Nikon posted a record net loss of 86 billion yen due to sluggish performance by its metal 3D printer business. Omura said that the company is eager to focus its 3D printer business on aviation, space and defense fields to “make it profitable by fiscal 2027.” END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]