IBM and RIKEN, a national research facility in Japan, introduced the first IBM Quantum System Two outside the United States. The availability of this system also marks a landmark, as it is the first quantum computer, situated alongside RIKEN’s supercomputer, Fugaku, one of the world’s most powerful classical computers.
The collaboration is supported by NEDO, a Japanese organization under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and is part of a project to develop technology that combines quantum and supercomputing. The IBM Quantum System Two at RIKEN is powered by the IBM Quantum Heron, which has 156 qubits. This is IBM’s most advanced quantum processor to date.
The Heron processor has improved quality and speed compared to the previous model, making it 10 times better. It can perform calculations that regular computers cannot easily handle. By working with Fugaku, researchers at RIKEN will be able to explore new algorithms, particularly in fields such as chemistry. The IBM Quantum System Two is located at RIKEN’s Center for Computational Science, Japan’s premier center for high-performance computing.
The two computers are connected through a fast network, allowing them to work together more efficiently. This connection enables engineers from both IBM and RIKEN to develop more efficient workflows and communication systems between quantum and classical computers. Each type of computer has its strengths, and this collaboration allows them to use the best features of both.
The new IBM Quantum System Two was officially launched on June 24, 2025, in Kobe, Japan, during a ceremony attended by many important figures, including RIKEN President Makoto Gonokami and IBM Quantum Vice President Jay Gambetta.
Jay Gambetta stated, “The future of computing is all about quantum technology, and with RIKEN, we are making this vision come true.”
Dr. Mitsuhisa Sato from RIKEN said, “By combining Fugaku and the IBM Quantum System Two, we want to lead Japan into a new era of computing. Our goal is to develop and show how quantum and classical computing can work together for scientists and businesses.”
