A group of researchers at RIKEN and other bodies have developed the first quantum computer in Japan, and granted full access to outside users.

A quantum computer is considered a next-generation computer because of its overwhelmingly fast computing power.

Quanta are extremely tiny particles like photons and electrons. Applying the physical phenomenon in the quantum world to a computer exponentially increases the computing speed.

Researchers at universities and companies that have signed a joint research agreement will initially be granted access to the domestically developed quantum computer.

The research group hopes their feedback will help improve the technology and speed up the development of related software programs.

Nakamura Yasunobu, the Director of the RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing, says the development of a large-scale quantum computer is still a challenging goal anywhere in the world.

He likened the development of such technology to a marathon race, and said he believes Japan has a huge opportunity to contribute.

In Japan, a quantum computer developed by US technology giant IBM was introduced in Kawasaki City near Tokyo in 2021.

Another developed by a British startup is due to go into operation in Tokyo in the latter half of this year.

Races to develop commercial quantum computers are heating up, mainly among the United States, European nations and China.