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 super-computers, prompting countries around the world to develop this next-generation technology. The United States is among the nations that have taken the 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 yen from fiscal 2018.
