Find Quantum jobs in Japan

What You Need to Know

Japan is rapidly emerging as a global quantum powerhouse, backed by over ¥1 trillion in government investment, Which is a national quantum strategy. Industry leaders like Fujitsu, NEC, and Toshiba actively hiring across research, engineering, and software roles.

What is the current state of quantum computing jobs in Japan?

Quantum job market in Japan is in strong growth mode. As of early 2026, over 500 active quantum roles are listed across major job boards, with employers ranging from RIKEN and the University of Tokyo to Fujitsu, Toshiba, and NEC. Japan declared 2025 “the first year of quantum industrialisation,” unlocking fresh hiring pipelines across research, engineering, and commercial development.

Reimei’s high-fidelity qubits represent a major milestone for Japanese researchers, giving us direct on-site access to world-class quantum technology to advance scientific discovery. Dr. Mitsuhisa Sato, Division Director, RIKEN Center for Computational Science

How much does a quantum computing engineer earn in Japan?

Salaries vary by experience level. According to verified compensation data:

• Entry-level (1–3 years): approximately ¥7.67 million per year
• This tier covers roles in quantum software testing and junior algorithm development
• Mid-level professionals average around ¥10.96 million annually, plus bonuses
• Senior-level (8+ years): approximately ¥13.59 million per year

Suggested Read: Quantum Jobs and Salaries

Which companies are hiring for quantum roles in Japan?

The most active employers include RIKEN, IBM Japan, Quantinuum Japan, Fujitsu, NTT, Toshiba, and NEC. The Quantum Strategic Industry Alliance for Revolution (Q-STAR) — which had grown to 112 member companies by April 2025 , is also generating demand through affiliates, including Toyota, Hitachi, and SoftBank.

What qualifications do you need for quantum jobs in Japan?

Requirements vary between research and industry roles. Common prerequisites include:

• A PhD in physics, computer science, or electrical engineering for research roles
• Postdoctoral experience and published research strengthen applications significantly
• Proficiency in Qiskit and Python is the baseline for most industry engineering roles;
• Familiarity with quantum error correction and hybrid workflows gives candidates a clear edge

Japanese language skills are a strong advantage but not always required, especially at international firms like IBM and Quantinuum.

Suggested Read: Qualifications required for quantum jobs

Is knowledge of Japanese language required for quantum jobs in Japan?

Not always. Companies like IBM, Google, and Quantinuum, that fall under the category of foreign companies, do their technical work in English. However, the position would functionally be in domestic companies like Fujitsu, NEC, and NTT, or in government-affiliated research centers, and therefore, require knowledge of Japanese. If you speak Japanese at a business level, your opportunities are much wider.

What are the main quantum research hubs in Japan?

The talent pool for quantum research in Japan is relatively small and is geographically restricted. Most of the quantum talent in Japan is gathered in Tokyo, which is home to several corporate R&D labs and the Quantum Innovation Initiative at the University of Tokyo. RIKEN, the most prominent national research institute in Japan, is located in Wako City, Saitama. In particular, the quantum manufacturing sector is witnessing the development of research and application centers in Osaka and Nagoya, as well as the Material Simulation and Logistics Optimization.

Japan’s government has declared 2025 the first year of quantum industrialisation, rolling out infrastructure and a ¥1.05 trillion investment to match that ambition. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, quoted in The Japan Times

What government initiatives support quantum employment in Japan?

Japan aims to prepare 50,000 people in quantum technology fundamentals, and the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) is funding the development of the Quantum Leap Flagship Program. Funded by the Moonshot Research and Development Program, the national government develops and finances long-term quantum research projects, which in turn create jobs for researchers and engineers at universities and national research institutes.

What types of quantum roles are most in demand in Japan?

The highest-demand roles include:

• Quantum software engineers for pharmaceutical simulation and financial modelling
• Algorithm developers at firms like Fujitsu and QunaSys are in active recruitment.
• Quantum hardware engineers specialising in superconducting qubit systems are scarce.
• RIKEN, Toshiba, and NTT Physics Labs are the primary employers for hardware talent

There is also growing demand for quantum-classical integration engineers, quantum cybersecurity specialists, and professionals who can bridge academic research and commercial deployment.