Recognized for his assembly and adjustment skills for excimer lasers used in semiconductor lithography and his contributions to human resources development

Oyama, Tochigi; November 6, 2026, Gigaphoton Inc. (Head Office: Oyama, Tochigi; President and CEO: Tatsuo Enami), a manufacturer of lightsources for semiconductor lithography, announced that Haruhide Ajima of Gigaphoton has been selected as a recipient of the FY2026 Award for “Outstanding Skilled Workers” by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. The award ceremony is scheduled for November 9, 2026.

Haruhide Ajima, Supreme Master Mechanic, Gigaphoton Inc.

The Award for Outstanding Skilled Workers recognizes workers with outstanding skills who are regarded as leading experts in their respective fields. The award aims to increase public awareness of skills, raise the status of skilled workers, and improve skill levels.

Ajima is a leading expert in the assembly and adjustment of excimer lasers for semiconductor lithography. He has a broad range of skills in both mechanical and electrical fields, including low-particle, high-precision assembly and adjustment of optical components and chambers, as well as laser optical-axis adjustment.

By standardizing and quantifying these advanced skills, he has contributed to high-quality and highly reliable mass production, improvements in safety and productivity, and the development of the entire semiconductor industry.

Ajima has also been committed to passing on the skills and experience he has accumulated to the next generation. Through initiatives including the establishment of a skills training center and the development of participants for the Skills Olympics and Abilympics, he has continuously worked to develop both young and experienced skilled workers and pass on outstanding manufacturing skills.

Tatsuo Enami, President and CEO of Gigaphoton said, “We are very pleased that Mr. Ajima has been selected for the Award for Outstanding Skilled Workers. We are proud that not only the outstanding skills he has developed over many years, but also his contributions to developing manufacturing professionals through passing on his skills to the next generation have been recognized. Gigaphoton will continue to pass on the skills we have developed over the years and develop human resources, thereby contributing to the further development of the semiconductor industry.”

About GIGAPHOTON

Established in 2000, GIGAPHOTON is a leading provider of KrF and ArF excimer laser lightsources for semiconductor lithography.
GIGAPHOTON enables semiconductor manufacturers worldwide to achieve higher productivity, superior quality, and more sustainable manufacturing through its advanced laser technologies.
Its global service network delivers customer-focused support, dedicated to maximizing availability and stable production operations for semiconductor manufacturers around the world.
Leveraging its expertise in laser and lithography technologies, GIGAPHOTON is expanding its capabilities beyond semiconductor lithography into new fields, including EUV lightsources, excimer lasers for advanced packaging and advanced material processing applications.

For more information, please visit https://www.gigaphoton.com