Japan has taken a giant leap in computing with the launch of the world’s first operational hybrid quantum supercomputer. Introduced in February 2025 at the Riken Institute in Tokyo, the system—called Reimei-Fugaku—marries a 20-qubit quantum computer, named Reimei, with the powerhouse Fugaku supercomputer, ranked among the world’s fastest classical systems. This groundbreaking setup harnesses quantum mechanics to accelerate complex calculations, offering unmatched power for tasks like molecular simulations and material science research.
Developed in collaboration with Quantinuum, the Reimei-Fugaku is already running real-world experiments, with researchers praising its ability to tackle problems beyond the reach of traditional machines. Japan aims to expand its use in fields like climate science and cryptography, cementing its place at the forefront of next-gen tech. The system went live earlier this year and is now open to select research teams, with plans to scale up its capabilities in the coming months.
