IBM’s Quantum Leap in Japan: A New Era of Computing
In a significant leap forward for quantum computing, IBM has launched its next-generation quantum computer, the IBM Quantum System Two, in Japan. This groundbreaking technology is co-located with Japan’s supercomputer, Fugaku, at the RIKEN Center for Computational Science in Kobe. This collaboration aims to accelerate quantum computational power and accuracy, marking a new chapter in high-performance computing.
A Pioneering Partnership
The unveiling of the IBM Quantum System Two in Japan is a landmark event. This is the first time an IBM Quantum System Two has been deployed outside of the United States and beyond an IBM Quantum Data Center. The collaboration between IBM and RIKEN, a national research laboratory in Japan, is supported by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). This initiative falls under Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI)’s "Development of Integrated Utilization Technology for Quantum and Supercomputers," part of the "Project for Research and Development of Enhanced Infrastructures for Post 5G Information and Communications Systems."
The Cutting-Edge IBM Quantum System Two
At the heart of the IBM Quantum System Two is IBM’s 156-qubit IBM Quantum Heron processor, the company’s most advanced quantum processor to date. It boasts a two-qubit error rate of 3×10-3 across a 100-qubit layered circuit, a remarkable tenfold improvement over the previous generation’s 127-qubit IBM Quantum Eagle. The Heron’s speed, measured by the CLOPS (circuit layer operations per second) metric, is 250,000, representing another tenfold enhancement over IBM Eagle.
This quantum processor’s capabilities extend beyond brute-force simulations on classical computers. Its connection to Fugaku enables the RIKEN teams to explore advanced algorithms, such as those addressing fundamental chemistry problems. The integration of quantum and classical systems promises to harness the computational strengths of both paradigms, allowing them to complement each other seamlessly.
A New Proving Ground for Quantum-Centric Supercomputing
The IBM Quantum System Two and Fugaku are linked through a high-speed network at the fundamental instruction level, forming a proving ground for quantum-centric supercomputing. This integration allows RIKEN and IBM engineers to develop parallelized workloads, low-latency classical-quantum communication protocols, and advanced compilation passes and libraries. By combining the distinct strengths of quantum and classical systems, researchers can optimize algorithms for each paradigm’s unique capabilities.
The launch of the IBM Quantum System Two was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 24, 2025, in Kobe, Japan. The event featured opening remarks from RIKEN President Makoto Gonokami, IBM Fellow and Vice President of IBM Quantum Jay Gambetta, General Manager of IBM Japan Akio Yamaguchi, as well as local parliament members and representatives from the Kobe Prefecture and City, METI, NEDO, and MEXT.
Advancing High-Performance Computing in Japan
Jay Gambetta, VP of IBM Quantum, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, "The future of computing is quantum-centric, and with our partners at RIKEN, we are taking a big step forward to make this vision a reality. The new IBM Quantum System Two, powered by our latest Heron processor and connected to Fugaku, will allow scientists and engineers to push the limits of what is possible."
Dr. Mitsuhisa Sato, Division Director of the Quantum-HPC Hybrid Platform Division at the RIKEN Center for Computational Science, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the collaboration. "By combining Fugaku and the IBM Quantum System Two, RIKEN aims to lead Japan into a new era of high-performance computing. Our mission is to develop and demonstrate practical quantum-HPC hybrid workflows that can be explored by both the scientific community and industry."
Paving the Way for Quantum Advantage
The installation of the IBM Quantum System Two at RIKEN is set to build on the achievements of RIKEN and IBM researchers as they strive to discover algorithms that offer quantum advantage. Quantum advantage refers to the point at which a quantum computer can solve a problem faster, cheaper, or more accurately than any known classical method.
One recent breakthrough featured in Science Advances involved sample-based quantum diagonalization (SQD) techniques to accurately model the electronic structure of iron sulfides, a widely present compound in nature and organic systems. Historically, such complex systems were believed to require fault-tolerant quantum computers for realistic modeling. However, SQD workflows demonstrate how today’s near-term quantum computers can deliver scientific value when integrated with powerful classical infrastructure.
About RIKEN
RIKEN is Japan’s largest research institute for basic and applied research. Annually, over 2,500 papers by RIKEN researchers are published in leading scientific and technology journals, covering a broad spectrum of disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, and medical science. RIKEN’s research environment and strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and globalization have earned it a worldwide reputation for scientific excellence.
For more information about RIKEN, visit www.riken.jp.
About IBM
IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud, AI, and consulting expertise. The company assists clients in over 175 countries in leveraging insights from their data, streamlining business processes, reducing costs, and gaining a competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of governments and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas, such as financial services, telecommunications, and healthcare, rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift for their digital transformations. IBM’s innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions, and consulting deliver open and flexible options to clients, all backed by a commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity, and service.
For more information about IBM, visit www.ibm.com.
With the deployment of the IBM Quantum System Two in Japan, powered by the Heron processor and connected to Fugaku, IBM and RIKEN are pioneering the future of high-performance computing. This collaboration signifies a monumental step toward realizing the potential of quantum computing and its integration with classical systems. As the scientific community and industry explore new possibilities, the combined power of quantum and classical computing will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible.
For more Information, Refer to this article.
