By Chika Nakayama

Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer

Fujitsu Ltd. CEO Takahito Tokita expressed enthusiasm for expanding the company's defense-related business, saying, "We are very pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to the security of Japan and the world," during an interview with The Yomiuri Shimbun.

Fujitsu plans to expand the business given that the Japanese government is increasing its defense spending, including for Self-Defense Forces equipment. The company excels in developing communications devices, information and communications systems and other types of defense equipment.

"To meet expectations, we intend to make investments appropriately as needed," Tokita said.

He also expressed an intention for the company to collaborate domestically or internationally if it financially makes sense to do so.

Tokita stressed that Fujitsu will support Rapidus Corp., a Japanese company aiming to domestically produce advanced semiconductors, but did not explicitly state whether it would invest in the company.

The following is excerpted from the interview conducted in December.

Aiming to become No. 1

The Yomiuri Shimbun: What direction will your defense business take?

Takahito Tokita: Beyond just being a business, having the opportunity to make a greater contribution to the nation is a tremendous honor. We consider it (positively) more than anything that we will be able to work in areas close to our core business, particularly in communications and information systems. The role of AI, quantum and other advanced technologies in national security will certainly grow. I believe Fujitsu's responsibility will also increase.

We consider it to be an incredibly good thing that we can contribute to security for like-minded countries (including the United States) through partnerships. Lockheed Martin Corp. has shown interest in Fujitsu and pays attention to our technologies. We hope that opportunities to contribute not just to Japan's security but to global security will increase.

Developing technology for security applications is a big opportunity for tech companies. We're trying to develop the latest, cutting-edge technologies, and are aiming to become No. 1 in the world. Second place is not acceptable.

Yomiuri: What do you plan to do to enhance the profitability of the defense business?

Tokita: The government's stance on equipment transfers has changed significantly. We also view the changes (in the government's policies) regarding the procurement (of defense equipment) as extremely positive.

We will continue our efforts to further enhance product quality and productivity so that our added value is recognized.

'Nothing decided' on Rapidus

Yomiuri: What is your stance on investment in Rapidus and domestic production of semiconductors?

Tokita: Having a limited number of (advanced semiconductor) suppliers is undesirable both for economic security and our business. It is extremely important that we have both supply chain routes and production bases within Japan.

We will support them, as we know (Fujitsu) is one of the few domestic users of their products. We prefer to use domestically produced (chips), so we expect their performance to continue improving.

Yomiuri: Will you invest in Rapidus?

Tokita: We will help, but nothing has been decided.

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This article is from The Yomiuri Shimbun. Neither Dow Jones Newswires, MarketWatch, Barron's nor The Wall Street Journal were involved in the creation of this content.

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January 04, 2026 20:32 ET (01:32 GMT)

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