JETRO AnnouncementsToward the Advent of the Quantum Technology Era—Deepening Global Innovation | Interview with D-Wave Quantum: The Appeal and Keys to Growth in Japan's Quantum Market

The two approaches to quantum computing include annealing quantum computers, which are commercial today and well suited for combinatorial optimization problems, and gate-model quantum computers, which are still in the research and development phase, and which are expected to be especially powerful in areas such as quantum chemistry and materials science, once commercialized. (see the Regional Analysis Report dated March 13, 2026, "Accumulation of Technology and Development for the Future").

D-Wave Quantum Inc. (“D-Wave”), formerly D-Wave Systems, headquartered in the United States, is the only company in the world offering commercial annealing quantum computers, with real-world use cases delivering value now to customers, including Japanese customers. D-Wave is the world’s first commercial supplier of quantum computers, and the first and only to offer dual-platform quantum computing products and services, spanning both annealing and gate-model quantum computing technologies.

In January 2026, the company announced the acquisition of Quantum Circuits, Inc. (“Quantum Circuits”) (see D-Wave Quantum website). Through the acquisition of Quantum Circuits, a leading developer of error-corrected superconducting gate-model quantum computing systems, D-Wave expects to dramatically accelerate the projected time to a scaled, error-corrected gate-model quantum computer alongside and complementary to its commercial annealing quantum systems.

In 2019, D-Wave established its Japanese subsidiary, D-Wave Japan. The company has been providing annealing quantum computing technology to universities, research institutes, and companies in Japan. We asked Shingo Matsushima, Japan Country Manager of D-Wave Japan, about the appeal and expectations for the Japanese market in quantum computing (interview date: March 21, 2026).

Question:
What is the rationale for its selection of Japan as an expansion destination?

Answer:
Japan is an economic powerhouse with the third largest GDP in the world, and global prominence across industries including manufacturing, automotive, electronics, materials science, and advanced research. This concentration of industry and academic excellence makes Japan an excellent market opportunity for quantum computing.
Japan also holds a unique place in the history of quantum computing as the birthplace of quantum annealing theory. D-Wave has built on that foundation as the global leader in delivering commercial annealing quantum computing systems that can solve real-world problems today. Given the strong industrial demand, academic engagement, and long-term growth potential, establishing a Japanese subsidiary in 2019 was a strategic step to support customers locally and deepen collaboration across industry and research institutions.

Question:
What are the characteristics and appeal of the Japanese market that you have experienced while actually conducting business?

Answer:
One of the defining characteristics of the Japanese market is the large and growing number of organizations actively adopting quantum computing across major enterprises, research institutes, universities and government. This broad, early adoption reflects a deep commitment to advancing quantum computing and solidifying Japan’s leadership role in the field. Compared to many other markets, Japan stands out for the number of organizations integrating annealing quantum computing into real-world projects. In particular, telecommunications and pharmaceutical firms are starting to move beyond research into operational applications.

Question:
What are the challenges and expectations for Japan to become a more attractive quantum industry market?

Answer:
Other global markets are moving quickly to integrate quantum technologies into core business operations. By building on its strength in research and use-case development, Japan can further enhance its ecosystem by prioritizing implementation, cross-industry collaboration, and measurable operational outcomes. Doing so would reinforce Japan’s position as a global leader in practical quantum adoption and help translate technical excellence into sustained economic impact.

Question:
What are your future business deployment plans in Japan?

Answer:
As demand for quantum computing continues to grow in Japan, our focus is on deepening our local presence and accelerating customer success. We aim to help organizations integrate quantum computing into core operations and drive sustained, measurable impact across key industries.

Question:
What is the impact on the Japanese market from the acquisition of Quantum Circuits announced in January 2026?

Answer:
The acquisition of Quantum Circuits solidifies D-Wave’s position as the world’s leading quantum computing company, building and delivering a unique dual-platform approach with both annealing and gate-model quantum computing systems to address the full range of customers’ complex computational problems. D-Wave expects the acquisition to dramatically accelerate the time to a scaled, error-corrected gate-model quantum computer alongside and complementary to its commercial annealing quantum computing systems. For Japan’s quantum industry and D-Wave’s Japanese customers, this is expected to broaden the range of applications and research opportunities available to industry and academic users. D-Wave believes it will create new pathways for developing advanced use cases that require both near-term optimization capabilities and future gate-model innovation. We expect this to accelerate collaboration, deepen technical engagement, and support the continued growth of Japan’s quantum ecosystem.

Question:
What advice do you have for foreign companies considering expansion into Japan?

Answer:
The right strategy for a foreign company considering entering the Japanese market will vary depending on the company’s products, services and characteristics, but it is important for all companies entering the Japanese market to leverage global strengths while engaging deeply with local partners. Two-way knowledge exchange is particularly powerful — bringing proven international use cases into Japan, while also showcasing innovations developed in Japan to the global market.