🔬 A quantum computing revolution is brewing in Japan. The massive "chandelier-style" cooling systems once required for quantum computers may soon shrink to desktop size. The key? Japan's pioneering "semiconductor-based" quantum computer technology.
Japan Unveils Its First Domestic Semiconductor Quantum Computer
At SEMICON Japan 2025, held in December at Tokyo Big Sight, Japanese startup blueqat made headlines with a groundbreaking exhibition: Japan's first domestically-developed semiconductor quantum computer.
The machine on display fits within two standard server racks—a stark contrast to the iconic golden "chandeliers" hanging from ceilings at major quantum labs worldwide. This compact design could seamlessly integrate into existing data centers, marking a significant step toward practical quantum computing infrastructure.
Why Semiconductor-Based Quantum Computing Matters
The quantum computing field features several competing approaches: superconducting, ion trap, photonic, and neutral atom methods. Semiconductor-based quantum computing stands out for its compatibility with existing chip manufacturing infrastructure.
Key advantages of the semiconductor approach include:
- Leveraging existing technology: Quantum bits can be created using techniques similar to standard silicon semiconductors
- Scalability: Miniaturization technologies can be applied to increase qubit counts and reduce size
- Single-chip integration: The quantum processing unit (QPU), CPU, and GPU can potentially be combined into a single System-on-Chip (SoC)
- Relaxed temperature requirements: While superconducting systems require temperatures near 0.01 Kelvin, semiconductor-based systems can operate at 1-3 Kelvin
Blueqat's prototype uses single-electron transistors combined with commercial medical-grade cryogenic equipment, achieving qubit generation at 0.3 Kelvin with single-digit qubit counts.
The Road to One Million Qubits by 2030
Blueqat has set an ambitious goal: achieving one million qubits by 2030. The company plans to launch commercial machines in 2026, aiming to transform quantum computers from "laboratory art pieces" to "data center workhorses."
Overseas competitors have already introduced desktop-sized semiconductor quantum computers, and blueqat has similar miniaturization in its sights. While the current prototype prioritizes performance over size, the company emphasizes that the true strength of semiconductor-based quantum computing lies in "miniaturization combined with high integration."
Japan's Quantum Computing Progress
Japan has made steady advances in quantum computing development:
- March 2023: RIKEN unveiled Japan's first domestic quantum computer (64 superconducting qubits)
- October 2023: Fujitsu announced Japan's second domestic machine
- April 2025: Fujitsu and RIKEN developed a 256-qubit superconducting quantum computer—the world's largest externally accessible system
- July 2025: A "purely domestic" quantum computer developed by Osaka University and partners became operational
The Japanese government has designated 2025 as the "Year of Quantum Industrialization," significantly boosting research and development support. Notably, 2025 also marks the 100th anniversary of Werner Heisenberg's foundational work in quantum mechanics, with the United Nations declaring it the "International Year of Quantum Science and Technology."
A Market Projected to Reach $620 Billion by 2040
The quantum computing market is poised for explosive growth, with some estimates projecting it could reach approximately $620 billion (93 trillion yen) by 2040. Applications span drug discovery, financial modeling, logistics optimization, and materials development.
Semiconductor-based systems offer particular advantages in manufacturing cost reduction and mass production potential, potentially accelerating quantum computing adoption across industries.
Competition and Collaboration on the Global Stage
While Japan's quantum technology investment trails that of the United States and China in absolute terms, its industry-academia collaboration model has produced consistent results. Challenges remain, however: increased private sector investment, talent development, and strengthened international partnerships are essential.
The U.S. is spearheading quantum talent development programs across universities in Japan, South Korea, and America, underscoring how quantum technology has become a priority in science and technology diplomacy. Experts agree that no single nation can industrialize quantum computing alone—cooperation among allied nations is indispensable.
Japan's semiconductor industry is experiencing a renaissance, and quantum computing represents another frontier where domestic innovation is taking shape. The semiconductor approach, in particular, allows Japan to leverage its deep expertise in chip manufacturing—positioning the country as a potential leader in the quantum era.
What's the state of quantum computing development in your country? Are there notable companies or research institutions making strides? We'd love to hear your perspective!
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Reactions in Japan
Amazing that they built a domestic semiconductor quantum computer! If Japan's semiconductor expertise can be leveraged here, it might be a path to industry revival. Rooting for them! 🎉
Single-digit qubits... Isn't the road to 1 million qubits way too long? I don't think 2030 is realistic. Let's not get our hopes up too much.
I've been watching blueqat for a while, and now they have an actual machine! So happy to see a Japanese startup pushing boundaries in cutting-edge tech. Want to invest!
The advantage of semiconductor-based quantum computing is compatibility with existing manufacturing processes. Combining this with TSMC or Samsung's miniaturization tech could get interesting.
Will quantum computing stocks heat up again? But after NVIDIA's CEO said commercialization is 20 years away, I'm cautious. Definitely a long-term investment.
Nurturing both RIKEN's superconducting approach and blueqat's semiconductor method is the right strategy for Japan. We still don't know which approach will win.
Is it true that quantum computers could break Bitcoin's encryption when they become practical? Should I start preparing countermeasures now...
Hope Japan, which once dominated semiconductors globally, can make its mark in quantum computing too. But the investment gap with the US and China is concerning.
Excited about quantum computing for drug discovery. Faster molecular simulations could dramatically transform new drug development. Hope it reaches practical levels soon.
Don't get too caught up in 'first domestic.' What matters is actual performance and scalability. We need to soberly compare with Google and IBM.
A quantum computer that fits in two server racks... really feels like times are changing. Maybe in 10 years they'll be normal office equipment?
A domestic semiconductor quantum computer appearing in the 100th anniversary year of quantum mechanics is so moving. Made me want to research this field.
The 93 trillion yen quantum computing market by 2040... how much can we believe? Forecasts are always wrong, and we need to watch out for hype cycle traps.
Following Fujitsu's 256-qubit machine, having a domestic semiconductor-based system is reassuring. Having research in multiple approaches is Japan's strength.
Honestly, I think commercialization will be late 2030s. Without solving error correction, practical use is difficult. But research should definitely continue.
Japan's semiconductor quantum computer development is fascinating. In the US, IBM and Google are leading with superconducting approaches, but we're also watching semiconductor methods with interest. Competition driving technological progress is a good thing.
France is also increasing investment in quantum technology, but I think Japan's approach of leveraging existing semiconductor infrastructure is smart. Looking forward to EU-Japan collaboration.
As a German researcher, quantum computers are still experimental. Japan's semiconductor approach is interesting, but the 1 million qubit target might be overly optimistic.
The UK has significant national investment in quantum technology. Japan's goal of desktop-sized quantum computers is an important step toward commercialization.
China is also making massive investments in quantum computer development. Japan's semiconductor approach is interesting, but the real competition with superconducting and photonic methods is just beginning.
I invest in quantum startups in Silicon Valley, and companies like Japan's blueqat are worth watching. Their connection to the semiconductor industry could be a real advantage.
Quantum technology research is active in Korea too. Competition with Japan is stimulating, and I look forward to collaboration through the Japan-US-Korea quantum talent development project.
Italian research institutions are also doing fundamental quantum computer research. Japan's semiconductor approach is interesting from a manufacturing cost reduction perspective.
Australia is also advancing silicon quantum computer research. We're taking a similar approach to Japan, so there might be potential for future collaboration.
India is also beginning to invest in quantum technology. Japan's progress is a reference point, and it's inspiring to see startups developing cutting-edge technology.
At IBM we focus on superconducting approaches, but semiconductor methods are promising for the future. Japan's efforts will contribute to the industry's overall development.
Interest in quantum technology is growing in Spain too. Japan's 'Year of Quantum Industrialization' approach is a good example of government-industry collaboration.
Singapore aims to be a quantum technology hub. Japan's semiconductor quantum computer might open possibilities for tech collaboration with ASEAN.
Canada's D-Wave uses quantum annealing, but Japan's semiconductor gate approach is also interesting. The market will likely accommodate different approaches coexisting.
Quantum computer research is starting in Poland too. Japan's success is encouraging for researchers in other countries.