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Commercial quantum computer debuts in Japan

Jul 28 (NHK) - An ultra-high-speed computer, known as a "quantum computer," has started operating for commercial use in Japan.

The computer was developed by IBM. It is only the second one outside the US, following one in Germany.

The IBM Quantum System One is what is known as a gate-model quantum computer. It has been installed in a facility in Kawasaki, near Tokyo.

It takes the shape of a 3-meter cube, and is set in a special room that cuts noise and vibration. A cylinder in the front houses the processor. It is chilled to around minus 270 degrees Celsius to maximize its calculating power.

A quantum computer is capable of making a vast amounts of calculations in just minutes -- something that would take conventional supercomputers thousands of years.

The University of Tokyo is taking the lead to study how it can be used by businesses. Firms from the finance, auto and chemical sectors are signing up for the project.

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A renowned Japanese photographer based in New York, Yasuomi Hashimura, known for his groundbreaking contributions to American advertising photography, died after being pushed on the street by a man.

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A suspicious object feared to be explosive was discovered at a high school in Sapporo on the afternoon of November 22nd, causing temporary chaos. The object was found to have been brought to the school by one of its students.

China says it will resume allowing visa-free visits by Japanese nationals on short-term trips from the end of this month. (NHK)

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