The world's biggest contract chipmaker is considering expanding its presence in Japan.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company says it's looking at building a second plant in the country.

TSMC is the world's largest contract manufacturer of chips for smartphones and other products. The firm held an online news conference on Thursday.

C.C. Wei, Chief Executive Officer of TSMC, told the conference that his firm is "considering building a second plant in Japan as long as demand from customers and level of government support make sense."

TSMC is currently constructing a factory in Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan. The chipmaker has partnered with Sony Group and other players on that project. It plans to turn on production lines by the end of 2024.

The governor of Kumamoto visited the headquarters of TSMC in Taiwan on Thursday.

Kabashima Ikuo updated officials on efforts by the prefecture to draw chip-related businesses to the region. He also spoke about training for personnel who will work at the plant.