1.Quantum & I Supercomputing
- Fujitsu and Riken launched a 256 qubit superconducting quantum computer in mid 2025 planning to scale to 1,000 quadbits by fiscal 2026.
- The ABCI 3.0 AI infrastructure powered by NVIDIA H200 GPUs, achieved 6.22 exaflop in half precision dramatically accelerating generative AI research and development.
- A quantum AI chip prototype from the University of Tokyo, Fujitsu, and NEC could significantly enhance AI learning and decision making.
2. Semiconductor & Manufacturing Renaissance
- Japan Advanced Semiconductor: Manufacturing (JSM), led by TSMC and partners like Sony and Toyota, began production (12/16nm ) in late 2024 and is expanding to 6nm by 2027.
- Domestic consortium Rapidus backed by major Japanese firm aims to establish 2nm chip production capacity by 2027.
3.Robotics 7 AI Powered Automation
- The AI nurse Airec, showcased at Waseda University can assit with elderly care task and my enter widespread use by 2030.
- Henn na Hotel in Tokyo blends humanoid robot staff with human support for afforable contactless hospitality an evolving model in Japan labor short context.
- Avator robots(e.g “newmes” at 7-Elevem and Lawson stores at Osaka Expo) enable remote human staff to interact with customer via mobile telepresence helping address workforce shortage.
4.Next Generation Mobility & Aerospace
- NTT’s drone based “flying lightning rod” can attract and redirect lightning strikes safely future version may even store energy form storm.
- MHI and Yamaha’s hybrid UAV, carrying 200kg over 200km completed flight testing in April in 2025 and support logistics in remote or disaster zone.
- Mitsubishi Heavy is developing a defense trainer jet and AI driven unmanned aircraft for late 2025 debut and export markets.
- Japan H3 rocket successfully launched the navigation satellite Michibiki 6 in early 2025 the goal to complete an 11 satellite positioning system by late 2030s
5.Green Energy & Sustainable Material
- The Japanese government is investing US$1.5 billion in ultra thin perovskite solar cells, enabling flexible deployment on building and aiming to generate the equivalent of 20 nuclear plants by 2040.
- Toshibas’ SCiB Nb battery using niobium titanium oxide offers ultra fast charging long life (15,000+ cycle) and high safety for commercial EVs and storage system.
- Joint RIKEN/ University of Tokyo teams created a seawater soluble plastic that biodegrade within hours without toxic residue a promising solution to ocean pollution.
- JAMSTEC unveiled a transparent biodegradable paper material made from cellulose for packaging cups and straw it break down within months even at ocean depth
- Yanmar’s hydrogen marine and agri tech innovation include fuel cell hybrid system for ships autonomous vineyard robots and rice husk biochar system to reduce greenhouse gas emission.
6.Smart Infrastructure & Remote Monitoring
- Hitachi and Mitsubishi Electric launched AI based remote inspection system for power line and infrastructure using satellite and drone imagery to detect faults early.
- KDDI plane to deploy 1,000 drone hubs across Japan by 2026, using Starlink satellite connectivity to support operations in remote or disaster hit areas.