IBM and RIKEN Launch First Quantum System Two in Japan

On June 23, 2025, IBM (NYSE: IBM) and RIKEN, Japan's premier research institute, unveiled the first IBM Quantum System Two to be deployed outside of the United States, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of quantum computing technology. This system is uniquely co-located with RIKEN's Fugaku supercomputer, which is recognized as one of the world's most powerful classical computing systems. The unveiling took place in Kobe, Japan, during a ceremony that honored the collaboration between these two technological leaders.

The introduction of the IBM Quantum System Two signifies not only a geographical expansion of IBM's quantum computing capabilities but also highlights the integration of quantum and classical systems to enhance computational power. The initiative is supported by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), a body under Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), which is focused on developing integrated technologies for quantum and supercomputers.

Powered by IBM’s latest 156-qubit IBM Quantum Heron processor, the new system boasts impressive performance metrics. According to IBM, the two-qubit error rate of the Heron processor is measured at 3x10^-3, which is a tenfold improvement over its predecessor, the 127-qubit IBM Quantum Eagle. Furthermore, the Heron processor achieves a circuit layer operations per second (CLOPS) rate of 250,000, indicating a significant leap in quantum processing speed that enables the execution of complex quantum circuits beyond the capabilities of classical computers.

The connection between the IBM Quantum System Two and Fugaku establishes a high-speed network that integrates their functionalities at a fundamental instruction level. This synergy allows for the development of advanced algorithms that leverage the strengths of both quantum and classical systems, paving the way for innovative research in fields such as chemistry and materials science. Dr. Mitsuhisa Sato, Division Director of the Quantum-HPC Hybrid Platform Division at RIKEN, remarked, "By combining Fugaku and the IBM Quantum System Two, RIKEN aims to lead Japan into a new era of high-performance computing."

The collaboration focuses on the development of practical quantum-hybrid workflows that can be utilized by both the scientific community and industry. The IBM Quantum System Two at RIKEN is positioned to enhance ongoing research efforts aimed at achieving quantum advantage—where quantum computers can outperform classical systems in specific tasks. Recently, RIKEN and IBM researchers made significant progress in sample-based quantum diagonalization (SQD) techniques, which can accurately model complex chemical systems that were previously thought to require fault-tolerant quantum computers.

The unveiling ceremony featured key figures from both organizations, including Jay Gambetta, IBM Fellow and Vice President of IBM Quantum, who expressed optimism about the future of quantum computing, stating, "The future of computing is quantum-centric and with our partners at RIKEN we are taking a big step forward to make this vision a reality."

As IBM continues to expand its global fleet of quantum computers, the deployment of the IBM Quantum System Two in collaboration with RIKEN is set to establish Japan as a leading hub for quantum computing research and innovation. RIKEN, with its reputation for excellence in scientific research and interdisciplinary collaboration, stands poised to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in science and technology through this powerful partnership.

In conclusion, the launch of the IBM Quantum System Two represents a pivotal moment in the field of quantum computing, promising to unlock new capabilities and foster advancements in various scientific domains. The future implications of this collaboration may reshape our understanding of computational limits and drive innovations that were once thought to be the realm of science fiction.