Japan Reveals Its First Completely Homegrown Quantum Computer: A Significant Development in Technological Independence.
Osaka university japan
The University of Osaka launched Japan’s first superconducting quantum computer, composed entirely of local parts and software, a quantum technology achievement. The Centre for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology at Osaka University released the technology on July 28, 2025. This indicates Japan can design, develop, and integrate a cutting-edge quantum system without foreign technology, needed for quantum computing.
All-inclusive Domestic Origin
This quantum computing project stands out due to its extensive domestic origin. The quantum computer was successfully developed by researchers using only domestically derived technologies.
Superconducting qubit chips, the control device, the dilution refrigerator, and the quantum cloud software are all created entirely in Japan. Parts like the dilution refrigerator, pulse tube refrigerator, low-noise power supply, cryogenic amplifier, filter, infrared absorber, and magnetic shield all of which were previously manufactured abroad for the first machine have been replaced with domestically made components in this most recent model, eliminating previous reliance on imported equipment. Supply chain bottlenecks are removed by this independence, which also increases the possibility of tailored system optimization.
Advanced Hardware and Cryogenic Engineering
Superconducting quantum computers use qubits and quantum phenomena like superposition and entanglement to operate differently from classical computers. These computers’ superconductive variant requires cooling qubits to -273.14°C (10mK). A pulse tube refrigerator is used to cool the entire device to about 4K, and a dilution refrigerator is used to further reduce the temperature to around 10mK. As part of the Moonshot Research and Development Program, ULVAC and ULVAC Cryogenics were in charge of these crucial cryogenic components, which were installed at the University of Osaka in March 2025.
Microwaves are used to control these superconducting qubits, and QuEL, Inc. created a home control device for the Moonshot Research and Development Project. The university has control devices that can handle over 28 qubits as of July 28, 2025. Similar to their 144-qubit computer, RIKEN is also contributing by supplying chips for this device. Calibration for eight qubits and a demonstration of a two-qubit quantum entangled state were finished as of early July, and cloud connection testing verified the service’s usability.
Robust Open-Source Software Ecosystem
An equally remarkable software ecosystem complements the hardware innovation. The complete software stack has been designed as an open-source project, including back-end control mechanisms and front-end user interfaces. OQTOPUS, or the Open Quantum Toolchain for Operators and Users, is the name of this extensive software suite. Whereas QURI Parts are utilised for quantum circuit software, OQTOPUS links the front-end, cloud, and back-end layers.
Other important open-source software components include quelware for control device software, e7awg_sw for FPGA software, qubex for pulse experiment software, qubecalib for microwave processing, and QDash for automating large-scale pulse experiments. This dedication to open-source development is unmatched in the world and is anticipated to draw a wide pool of developers, promoting sustainable development going forward.
Robust Open-Source Software Ecosystem
A joint research team led by Vice Director/Professor Makoto Negoro of QIQB of the University of Osaka, along with significant Japanese institutions and business leaders, produced this ground-breaking study. e-trees.Japan, Inc., QuEL, Inc., QunaSys Inc., Systems Engineering Consultants (SEC), TIS Inc., Fujitsu Limited, RIKEN, ULVAC, Inc., and ULVAC Cryogenics Incorporated are important partners. Important funding has come from well-known Japanese organisations, including the Cabinet Office, the Japan Science and Technology Agency, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, and Science and Technology.
Numerous scientific and industrial fields could undergo radical change as a result of quantum computers. Through the development of novel materials and medications, optimization, and practical technologies for daily life, like machine learning, they are anticipated to solve issues that traditional computers are unable to handle and have the potential to significantly lessen the environmental burden on a global scale. In contrast to other private sector teams that have attained 50-qubit control, the achievement of this research demonstrates that Japan has all the technology required to construct its own quantum computers and integrate them into a system. This system integration was accomplished in the public sector.
Public Engagement at Expo 2025
Components of this groundbreaking quantum computer will be on display at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, from August 14–20, in an effort to demystify quantum science and engage a wide audience. This special show, called “entangled moment – [quantum | earth | universe] x art,” will take place at the Expo show Centre “WASSE”. Terminals placed throughout the venue will connect visitors to the system via the cloud, enabling them to experience quantum computing and run basic quantum programs. The display will demonstrate how signals move from an iPad to the qubit, via a refrigerator, and to the University of Osaka.
Along with showcasing quantum computer-generated artwork and an art project that lets visitors experience quantum entanglement on a chip, the exhibit also seeks to combine science and art through a partnership with Professor Akihiro Kubota of Tama Art University. Furthermore, there will be a multiplayer game and a quantum theory learning software that use randomly generated numbers from the Quantum Processing Unit (QPU) in real time, making quantum technology entertaining for a broad audience regardless of specialised knowledge. On July 28, a pre-Expo display and experience session for quantum researchers and industry professionals will take place before the main Expo event.
This will allow numerous visitors to witness the operation of up to four qubits at the same time. At the unique show, this fully domestically created system will be linked to the cloud, and after the Expo, the number of qubits will progressively increase. In order to maximize entanglement moments, the third machine which served as the inspiration for the creation of this new computer will likewise be run from the Expo location.
This launch demonstrates the strength of interdisciplinary cooperation and national innovation, not only redefining Japan’s place in the global quantum scene but also setting a standard for future domestic technical endeavors striving for independence and excellence.
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