LED and Tokushima

High-brightness blue LEDs, which were said to be challenging to develop throughout the 20^th century, were commercialized for the first time in the world in Tokushima. Now, there are manufacturers that boast the world’s largest LED production volume, as well as manufacturers developing application products utilizing LED components.

What is LED?LED Sudachi-kun will answer your questions!

What is LED?: LED is an initialism for Light Emitting Diode. It is a light source consisting of a resin-covered small semiconductor chip that emits light when an electric current flows through it.

What is the difference between LED and incandescent or fluorescent bulbs?

① Long lasting

Usable for about 10 years with 10hours of lighting per day. (Rated life of 40,000 hours)

② Higher visibility

Produces visible light efficiently with little ultraviolet or infrared radiation. In addition, it reduces fading and damage to products.

③ Lower power consumption

LEDs consume only about one-sixth of the power of incandescent bulbs.

④ Faster response time

Lights up instantly even at low temperatures.

⑤ Fewer environmental impact

LEDs are free from mercury, lead and other harmful substances.

Compared to previously dominant incandescent bulbs, fluorescent lights, and mercury lamps, LED offer numerous advantages including cost, safety, and others.

Why is Tokushima famous for LED?: In Tokushima, there is an LED device manufacturer that developed the world’s first “white LED”, which is combination of a “high-brightness blue LED” which was said to be challenging to develop throughout the 20th century and a yellow phosphor, and boasts the world’s top level of LED production. Besides, there are more than 150 manufacturers that develop “LED application products”. For these reasons, Tokushima became famous for LEDs.

What is “Next Generation LED”?: In the "Next-Generation LED Valley Concept " advocated by Tokushima Prefecture, light in invisible wavelength ranges such as "deep ultraviolet," "infrared," and "terahertz light," which have different characteristics from general-purpose LEDs, are referred to as "Next-Generation LED." It is expected that these characteristics will lead to applications in various industrial fields such as healthcare, agriculture, food, sanitation, environment, communication, civil engineering, and more in the future.

What is Tokushima Pref. working to develop the LED industry?: Tokushima Pref. is holding a “Next Generation Light Forum” to discuss the future of the optical industry, including the latest technological trends related to light and the potential for new application developments. Through this forum, we aim to collectively explore the possibilities of LED and other light-related technologies. Additionally, we support the promotion and development of LED products in the prefecture and the cultivation of sales channels for businesses.