News On Japan

Japan group to bring quantum computers to the workplace

Jul 31 (Nikkei) - Leading Japanese universities and corporations have joined hands with IBM to develop practical quantum computing applications in finance, materials development and the broader business scene.

"I believe that Japan will play an important role in implementing quantum computing technology to society ahead of rest of the world, and that industry-academia-government collaboration is necessary for this," University of Tokyo President Makoto Gonokami said at an online news conference Thursday that unveiled the Quantum Innovation Initiative Consortium.

Commercializing quantum computers requires new algorithms and software built on a different set of expertise from conventional computers. Keio University, a leader in this field, is joining the effort.

Besides the two universities, Toshiba, Hitachi, Mizuho Financial Group, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, JSR, DIC, Toyota Motor, Mitsubishi Chemical and IBM Japan will participate.

Companies have high hopes for adopting quantum computing into their operations. Participants will work to advance research and develop new software, using a cutting-edge quantum computer IBM plans to bring to Japan in 2021. Software development requires less monetary investment than hardware.

Japan is also a strong player in basic physics and chemistry research, which could help the consortium quickly develop commercial uses for quantum technology.

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An Idemitsu Kosan crude oil tanker has safely passed through the Strait of Hormuz, becoming the first vessel bound for Japan to do so since attacks on Iran heightened tensions in the region and effectively disrupted maritime traffic.

Japan’s Golden Week holiday period got fully underway on April 29, drawing large crowds to major tourist destinations and airports, where long lines formed as overseas travel surged.

A series of sightings involving unusually large brown bears in Hokkaido has heightened concerns among local residents, with one 330-kilogram animal captured in Tomamae and another 280-kilogram bear attacking a hunter in Shimamaki.

Full-scale Golden Week travel began on April 29, with Chubu Centrair International Airport experiencing its busiest outbound travel day of the holiday period. The airport was crowded from the morning with vacationers heading overseas.

Electricity and gas bills for usage in May will rise slightly in Japan, with the impact of tensions involving Iran expected to appear in utility charges from June onward. Larger increases could follow in subsequent months.

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