Japan has formally brought online its first quantum computer constructed entirely from domestically sourced components — a strategic milestone in the nation’s ambition to establish technological self-reliance in quantum computing. The system, now operational at the University of Osaka’s Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology (QIQB), was switched on July 28 and is ready to accept computational workloads from academic, industrial, and governmental users.
Unlike earlier quantum systems deployed in Japan, which relied on imported hardware and control electronics, this platform is the result of a fully integrated national effort. All critical components — from the quantum processing unit (QPU) to the supporting cryogenic infrastructure — have been designed, manufactured, and tested within the country. Furthermore, the system runs on OQTOPUS (Open Quantum Toolchain for Operators and Users), an open-source software framework developed exclusively in Japan to provide a complete, end-to-end quantum programming environment.
Architecture and Core Technologies
At the centre of the system is a superconducting qubit processor developed by the RIKEN research institute. Superconducting qubits are fabricated from metals that, when cooled to temperatures close to absolute zero (−273.15 °C), exhibit zero electrical resistance. This superconducting property allows the storage and manipulation of quantum information with minimal energy loss, a prerequisite for high-fidelity quantum operations.
The processor operates within a dilution refrigerator, which achieves the ultra-low operating temperatures required for quantum coherence. The “chandelier”-style housing contains multiple subsystems, including:
- Chip packaging manufactured by Seiken Corporation
- Magnetic shielding to suppress external interference
- Infrared and bandpass filters for signal conditioning
- Low-noise amplification stages to maintain qubit readout integrity
- Precision cryogenic cabling for stable quantum control
Temperature regulation is supported by an additional pulse tube refrigerator, ensuring thermal stability during continuous operation. Power delivery is managed through a custom-engineered low-noise power supply to prevent electrical fluctuations from disturbing qubit states.
OQTOPUS: A National Quantum Software Platform
The OQTOPUS platform is a modular suite of open-source tools designed to interface directly with quantum hardware. Its architecture includes:
- A core execution engine optimised for superconducting qubit architectures
- A cloud-access module enabling remote quantum job submission
- Graphical user interface (GUI) elements for visual programming and hardware control
Unlike many international quantum software stacks, OQTOPUS has been built from the ground up for integration with Japanese-developed control electronics and firmware. This ensures complete control over both hardware and software intellectual property, aligning with national goals for digital sovereignty.
Potential Applications in Medicine and Medical Imaging
While the QIQB quantum system will have a wide range of industrial and research uses, one of the most promising areas is medical imaging. Quantum computing could dramatically advance imaging modalities such as MRI, PET, and CT by enabling:
- Faster image reconstruction — Quantum algorithms can process raw scanner data at high speed, potentially allowing near real-time image generation during patient scanning.
- Enhanced noise reduction — Quantum-assisted denoising techniques may improve image clarity at lower radiation doses, benefiting both PET and CT imaging.
- Optimised acquisition protocols — By simulating complex physics models rapidly, quantum systems could identify the most efficient scanning parameters for each patient, reducing scan times.
- Multi-modal fusion — Quantum computing could integrate data from multiple imaging sources (MRI, PET, ultrasound) into a single, high-resolution diagnostic map, supporting more accurate diagnoses in oncology, neurology, and cardiology.
In the long term, quantum machine learning could help detect subtle pathological changes in large imaging datasets, improving early disease detection and personalising treatment strategies.
Beyond Medicine: Wider Strategic Implications
Quantum computing systems of this type can execute certain classes of problems exponentially faster than classical high-performance computing (HPC) platforms. In addition to healthcare, anticipated application domains include drug discovery, urban transport modelling, logistics optimisation, and climate simulation.
This computational advantage arises from quantum parallelism, where qubits exist in superposition and process multiple possibilities simultaneously. However, scaling quantum systems is contingent on overcoming quantum error correction (QEC) challenges. Japan’s domestic programme is expected to invest heavily in QEC research, building on advances such as the recent record-breaking quantum gate error rate of 0.000015%.
Public Demonstration and Outreach
The new quantum computer was publicly demonstrated at Expo 2025 in Osaka from August 14 to 20. Visitors could connect to the QIQB system via a secure cloud interface, submit basic quantum algorithms, and view the results in real-time. The exhibition also featured interactive modules illustrating quantum entanglement, superposition, and other core principles of quantum mechanics.
Positioning in the Global Quantum Race
With the launch of this fully homegrown quantum system, Japan joins a select group of nations — including the United States and China — capable of building operational superconducting qubit platforms without reliance on foreign technology. This positions Japan as a serious contender in the global quantum race, particularly in fields such as medical imaging, where precision, speed, and data integration are critical.
The integration of OQTOPUS with larger, next-generation processors could support an entirely self-sufficient quantum ecosystem—one capable of advancing both fundamental science and healthcare innovation without external technological constraints.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, developments in quantum computing technology, software frameworks, and their potential applications — including those in medicine and medical imaging — are subject to rapid change and ongoing research.
References to possible medical or healthcare-related uses are speculative and based on current theoretical or experimental findings; they should not be interpreted as established clinical practices, medical advice, or guaranteed outcomes. Any deployment of quantum computing in healthcare must comply with relevant regulations, undergo rigorous validation, and be evaluated by qualified professionals.
Neither the author nor the publisher assumes responsibility for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss arising from the use of the information contained herein. Readers are encouraged to verify technical details with authoritative sources and seek expert guidance where appropriate.
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