The next quantum race: Who can harness it first?

Japan at forefront of competition to develop applications, but Germany a top contender

20210821N IBM Quantum computer

The IBM Quantum System One is Japan's first commercial quantum computer. (Photo by Hiroshi Endo)

AKIRA OIKAWA and EIKI HAYASHI, Nikkei staff writers

TOKYO -- With Japan's first commercial quantum computer going into operation last month, more global competitors are entering the race to gain an advantage by mastering the next-generation technology, with Germany emerging as a strong contender.

In Kawasaki, a city in the Tokyo metropolitan area, sits a commercial quantum computer made by IBM at the Kawasaki Business Incubation Center. Toyota Motor, Hitachi and Toshiba are among the  companies that are using the device.

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