Find Quantum jobs in Tokyo

What You Need to Know

Tokyo is the epicentre of Japan’s quantum workforce. Home to the University of Tokyo’s Quantum Innovation Initiative, IBM’s first quantum computer installed outside the US, and a dense cluster of corporate R&D labs.

The University of Tokyo and IBM share a vision of building a world-leading quantum innovation ecosystem, and this partnership places Tokyo at the heart of that mission. Dario Gil, Senior Vice President and Director of Research, IBM

Why is Tokyo a leading city for quantum computing careers?

The city of Tokyo fosters exceptional opportunities for advancing one's career in quantum technology. The University of Tokyo and Tokyo Institute of Technology rank among the top institutions in the world for quantum technology. In addition, Tokyo is home to many corporate research and development labs in quantum technology. These include IBM, Fujitsu, NEC, and Toshiba.

Furthermore, it is possible to engage directly with the Japanese government’s national research and development (R&D) policies through the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) and the RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing (located in Tokyo). In 2021, IBM installed the first quantum computer in Japan at the University of Tokyo (UTokyo). This solidified Tokyo's status as the leading city for quantum research in Asia.

What quantum jobs are available in Tokyo right now?

As of early 2026, the range of quantum-related positions available for applicants in Tokyo is widening. These include roles in active research for quantum algorithms, quantum software engineering, quantum hardware physics, quantum cryptography, and the sales and marketing of quantum technologies. Tokyo-based multinational companies that are hiring include IBM Japan (located in Minato-ku) and Fujitsu Research (in Kawasaki, near Tokyo).

Also hiring are NTT Research, new companies such as QunaSys, and many other international quantum enterprises that are setting up offices in the Asia-Pacific region and expanding their operations to Tokyo.

What is the average salary for quantum jobs in Tokyo?

Tokyo commands a premium over the national average:

• Mid-level professionals typically earn between ¥9.5 million and ¥12 million per year.
• This range applies to roles like algorithm engineer or applied research scientist.
• Senior researchers and lead engineers earn ¥13 million to ¥17 million per year;
• International hires at IBM or Google Japan may receive relocation and stock packages on top.

Suggested Read: Quantum Job Salaries

Are there quantum startup opportunities in Tokyo?

Yes. Tokyo has a growing quantum startup scene. QunaSys, founded in 2018, is one of Japan’s best-known quantum software startups and is headquartered in Tokyo. Blueqat Inc. is another Tokyo-based firm offering quantum cloud services. The UTokyo IPC (venture capital arm of the University of Tokyo) actively funds quantum spinouts, making Tokyo fertile ground for early-stage quantum careers.

Can foreigners find quantum jobs in Tokyo without speaking Japanese?

Yes, especially at multinational companies. Many positions at IBM Japan, Google Japan, and international research groups at the University of Tokyo are open to engineers and researchers who do not speak any Japanese. Nevertheless, for effective integration into the office, it is suggested that you acquire the ability to speak Japanese at a conversational level.

In addition, for some positions, especially those that include interfacing with clients or are managerial in nature, domestic employers such as Fujitsu and NEC tend to require candidates to speak Japanese at least at the business conversational level.

Tokyo offers something rare in quantum , a unique convergence of elite academic institutions and a government that is actively funding the transition from research to industry. Yuval Boger, Chief Commercial Officer, QuEra Computing

What networking resources exist for quantum professionals in Tokyo?

Tokyo has an active and accessible quantum community:

• UTokyo Quantum Innovation Initiative hosts regular symposiums open to industry professionals.
• These events offer direct access to hiring managers across Japan's top quantum institutions.
• Q-STAR connects 112+ member companies through working groups and career-focused briefings
• The annual Quantum Innovation conference, each autumn, is Tokyo's premier quantum networking event.

The annual Quantum Innovation conference, held in Tokyo each autumn, is the premier networking event, drawing researchers, engineers, and policymakers from across Japan and internationally.