RIKEN Activates Japan's First Quantum–Supercomputer Integration

A newly installed IBM quantum computer officially began full-scale operations on June 24 at the RIKEN Center for Computational Science in Kobe. In a groundbreaking initiative, it will operate in tandem with Japan's flagship supercomputer, Fugaku, with the goal of dramatically enhancing computational power and processing efficiency.

This integration of quantum and classical computing is expected to accelerate innovation across a broad spectrum of fields, from drug discovery to cutting-edge materials research.

Quantum computers harness the unique properties of subatomic particles like photons and electrons to perform complex calculations. Celebrated for their extraordinary potential, quantum computers are often said to solve problems in one minute that would take a supercomputer 100 years.

They are especially effective in quantum chemical calculations, helping scientists analyze the behavior of matter and chemical reactions at the molecular scale.

As demand for such precision grows, global competition in quantum computing is heating up.

Correcting Quantum Noise

One major challenge, however, is their susceptibility to external noise, which can easily introduce errors. To overcome this, the new system employs a hybrid approach, with Fugaku assisting in correcting and verifying the quantum computer's outputs to ensure accurate results.

At a press conference, RIKEN President Makoto Gonokami expressed confidence in the new system, stating that the integration "can contribute to solving global-scale challenges."

*Quantum computer that began operating at the RIKEN Center for Computational Science. June 24, Chuo Ward, Kobe (©Sankei by Miyako Nagumo)*

Japan Holds Its Ground in Rankings

In related news, the latest TOP500 global supercomputer rankings, released on June 10, placed Fugaku 7th worldwide in computational speed, down one spot from its previous 6th-place ranking.

The top three positions were once again dominated by American systems, led by El Capitan from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. A new German supercomputer entered the list at 4th place, nudging Fugaku down the ranks.

Despite slipping in the overall rankings, Fugaku continues to lead in specialized data analysis performance. In the Graph500 benchmark, which evaluates the ability to process large-scale graph data, such as social networks and complex simulations, Fugaku held onto the top spot for the 11th consecutive term.

However, in the HPCG benchmark, which measures performance in simulations critical to industrial applications, it dropped to 2nd place, ending a streak of 10 straight first-place finishes.

Other Japanese supercomputers in the latest TOP500 include ABCI 3.0 in Chiba, ranked 15th, and the newly listed ABCI-Q in Ibaraki, debuting at 27th.