Insider Brief
- Japan has established itself as a major player in quantum computing by integrating university research, corporate partnerships, and a growing hardware supply chain.
- The University of Tokyo’s Quantum Hardware Test Center, launched with IBM, enables Japanese companies like TDK, ULVAC, and Kyocera to develop and test critical quantum computing components.
- Japan’s strategy of linking research with industry positions it as a potential leader in quantum hardware manufacturing, supporting IBM’s roadmap for scalable quantum systems.
Japan has become a key player in quantum computing, linking university research with corporate development to create a growing supply chain for the technology, according to an IBM post.
Since 2019, when the University of Tokyo partnered with IBM to install Japan’s first IBM Quantum System One, the country has steadily expanded its quantum ecosystem. That system has served as a research tool for companies such as Toyota, Sony, and Mitsubishi Chemicals, forming the backbone of the Quantum Innovation Initiative Consortium. But Japan’s efforts extend beyond computing research—its industry is now manufacturing critical components for quantum systems, aiming to make the country a hub for quantum hardware production.
IBM and the University of Tokyo launched the Quantum Hardware Test Center in 2021 to accelerate this process, offering Japanese suppliers the infrastructure to evaluate and refine their quantum hardware. Companies including TDK, Fujikura, Keycom, and I-PEX are using the center to develop components like cryogenic microwave isolators and superconducting cables—essential for the function of quantum computers.
“We’re beginning to see the flywheel effect in action,” Daiju Nakano, Kouichi Semba (University of Tokyo) and Jerry Chow wrote in the post. “The accumulation of new research at Japanese institutions, new technology from industrial leaders, and collaboration between the United States and Japan have generated significant momentum and the seeds of a self-sustaining quantum industry.”
From Research to Supply Chain
Unlike conventional computers, which process information in binary (0s and 1s), quantum computers use qubits, which can exist in multiple probabilistic states due to quantum superposition. But to function reliably, qubits must be kept at temperatures near absolute zero, requiring specialized cryogenic and superconducting components.
Japanese manufacturers are stepping up to address these challenges. TDK, a Tokyo-based electronics company, has focused on developing cryogenic microwave isolators, which help protect delicate quantum circuits from interference. The company has used the University of Tokyo’s test center to validate its designs.
Another critical component, the dilution refrigerator, cools quantum processors to near-zero temperatures. ULVAC, a vacuum technology firm, is designing a new generation of dilution refrigerators that match IBM’s quantum system requirements.
“IBM is leading the advancement of quantum computing, and ULVAC is proud to support this effort with our expertise in vacuum and cryogenic technology,” said Setsuo Iwashita, President and CEO of ULVAC, Inc., in the post. “By providing cutting-edge cryogenic solutions, we are committed to strengthening IBM’s quantum computing ecosystem and enabling scalable quantum infrastructure.”
Other Japanese firms are also expanding into quantum hardware production. Kyocera, traditionally a supplier of semiconductor packaging, is now designing materials for larger quantum chips. Fujikura and Keycom are leveraging their expertise in superconducting materials to create ultra high-density cryogenic cabling. I-PEX is working on connectors designed to function in extreme cold, where quantum processors operate.
A Model for Growth
Japan’s approach—aligning university research, corporate development, and government investment—could serve as a model for other nations looking to grow their quantum computing industries. While many countries are investing in quantum software and algorithms, Japan is among the few focusing on the full hardware supply chain.
IBM noted that the growing demand for quantum components from Japanese firms has created a feedback loop that is accelerating the industry’s development. The University of Tokyo’s test center allows suppliers to refine their technology, and as IBM expands its quantum computing capabilities, the need for high-performance hardware continues to rise.
This shift marks a transition from quantum computing as an academic exercise to an emerging industry with commercial potential. While practical applications remain limited, researchers believe quantum systems could eventually solve problems in materials science, logistics, and pharmaceuticals that are beyond the reach of classical computers.
IBM has outlined a roadmap for scaling quantum computing, with plans to build large-scale, fault-tolerant systems. Japan’s industrial base is expected to play a role in achieving that goal.
“We are scaling this technology through our joint efforts at the University of Tokyo and IBM,” the team writes. “Our growing userbase is figuring out how to apply it to solve real problems. The Japanese quantum ecosystem is growing fast, thanks to the leadership of the University of Tokyo and the Japanese government’s investment in quantum. Japanese industry is beginning see the rewards of that effort. We hope the Japanese model can serve as an example for the rest of the world to follow.”
