Japan’s 1st Quantum Computer Begins Operations
15:59 JST, March 27, 2023
Japan’s first quantum computer began operating Monday at the Riken research institute in Wako, Saitama Prefecture.
Quantum computers have the potential to outstrip existing supercomputers, prompting countries around the world to develop this next-generation technology. The United States is among the nations that have taken lead in creating experimental quantum computers, but Japan aims to stay ahead of the competition by concentrating on the practical use of such computers.
Japan’s first domestically produced model was developed by Riken and other entities, including Osaka University, Fujitsu Ltd. and NTT Corp., while the government has contributed a total of about ¥2.5 billion from fiscal 2018.
The computer uses quantum bits, or qubits, which enable calculations to be carried out at significantly faster speeds than supercomputers.
The computer became accessible via a cloud server Monday morning for universities and research institutes that conduct joint research with Riken.
“We hope the computer will provide opportunities to improve and expand the environment in which it can continuously be used, while widening the scope of quantum computing,” said Riken Center for Quantum Computing Director Yasunobu Nakamura at a press conference on the day.
Riken intends to gradually grant wider access to the quantum computer and hopes its use will lead to the development of technology for equipment and software, as well as the cultivation of human resources in the field.
"Science & Nature" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
Yellow Sand Observed in Tokyo, Osaka, Many Other Parts of Japan
-
Govt, U.S. Sign Deal to Send 2 Japanese Astronauts to the Moon; Toyota to Contribute to Artemis Program with Lunar Cruiser
-
Solar Panels Around Southern Japan’s Mt. Aso Stoke Fears Over Landscape; Local Govt Scrambles to Preserve Nature
-
Studying Dinosaurs for Humanity’s Future
-
Jellyfish Invade Venezuelan Waters, Worrying Fishermen
JN ACCESS RANKING
- M6.0 Earthquake Hits Japan’s Tohoku Region; Fukushima, Iwate, Miyagi Prefectures Observe 4 on Japanese Scale With No Risk of Tsunami
- Cherry Blossoms Draw Crowd to Tokyo’s Ueno Park; Viewing Season Kicks Off to Slow Start
- China Mutes Memorialization of Reformer Hu Yaobang; Memories Could Spark Critique of Xi Administration
- Shinkansen Services Suspended After Man ‘Searches for Phone’ on Tracks; Disruption Affects About 14,000 Passengers
- Whaling Mother Ship Built in Japan for 1st Time in 73 Years