The quantum future society vision | Japan

The quantum future society vision presents a strategic framework for the role of quantum technology in shaping Japan’s future society. Published on 22 April 2022 by the integrated innovation strategy promotion council and the quantum computing research centre of the RIKEN Institute, it provides a roadmap for technological advancements, industry collaboration, and national economic security in the quantum field.

The introduction sets the stage by outlining Japan’s quantum technology innovation strategy, which was first established in 2020. Since then, the country has taken significant steps, including the formation of eight quantum innovation hubs (QIH) and the launch of the quantum innovation initiative council (QII council) at the University of Tokyo. This led to the first commercial quantum computer being introduced in Japan. The report acknowledges the rapid evolution of the quantum landscape, driven by increasing international competition, the acceleration of digital transformation (DX) due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the growing importance of quantum technology in economic security and sustainability.

The section on changes in the quantum technology landscape discusses the intensifying global race for leadership in quantum computing, with major companies such as Google making bold advances. In addition, digital transformation has been fast-tracked by the pandemic, highlighting the need for secure and efficient computing. The document emphasises the potential of quantum technology in addressing climate change and carbon neutrality, particularly through material science advancements that contribute to sustainable energy solutions. The continued progress of foundational quantum technologies, including quantum computing, sensing, and communication, is also highlighted as essential to national security, ensuring a stable technological base within Japan’s supply chain.

The report establishes three fundamental principles for advancing quantum technology. First, it advocates for incorporating quantum advancements into the broader economic and social system by integrating them with classical technologies in a hybrid approach. Second, it stresses the importance of accelerating the use of cutting-edge quantum technologies through research and testbed development. Third, it aims to foster new industries and support the emergence of quantum-related startups.

A vision for a future society shaped by quantum technology is presented, emphasising a balance between economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social well-being. Quantum advancements are expected to transform multiple fields, including medicine, where they will enable precision treatments and faster drug discovery; finance, where they will enhance risk modelling and fraud detection; and material science, where they will contribute to the creation of new, highly efficient materials. The report envisions a society where quantum computing powers secure communications, optimises energy grids and improves disaster prediction and response.

Goals for 2030

• expand the number of quantum technology users in Japan to ten million
• achieve an economic impact of fifty trillion yen through quantum-enabled industries
• establish several quantum-focused startup companies as unicorns in the global market

The document outlines concrete steps for achieving these goals. It details research and development initiatives across different quantum domains, including computing, software, security, and materials science. Special emphasis is placed on innovation hubs and ecosystems that will support both large-scale enterprises and startups. The need for talent development is a recurring theme, with efforts directed toward education, training programs, and international collaborations to ensure a strong pipeline of quantum specialists. Additionally, intellectual property protection and standardisation efforts are identified as critical components for maintaining Japan’s competitive edge in the global quantum industry.

Focus areas

• development of hybrid computing systems integrating quantum and classical technologies
• creation of testbeds and environments that allow businesses and researchers to experiment with quantum applications
• support for startups and venture companies to encourage innovation in quantum-related fields
• strengthening international cooperation while ensuring national economic security
• promoting outreach and public engagement to raise awareness and understanding of quantum technologies