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Euronews
11 hours ago
- Science
- Euronews
How Japan built the largest-class superconducting quantum computer
Researchers in Japan have developed the world's largest-class superconducting quantum computer. Several hardware types are used to build quantum computers, which use subatomic particles called qubits to increase computing capabilities.. Among them, superconducting quantum computers are the most widely tested, with companies like Google, IBM and Rigetti leading in this technology. The higher the number of qubits, the greater the potential computing power. However, other factors such as noise and error mitigation methods are also essential for building a practical quantum computer. The new quantum system developed by researchers at the Japanese National Research and Development Agency, RIKEN, in collaboration with the Japanese IT giant, Fujitsu, has 256 qubits. For comparison, Google's Sycamore quantum processor uses 70 qubits. IBM has a 1,121-qubit processor called Condor, but it's not broadly available for external users. It is widely thought that it would take one million quibits to realise quantum's full potential. Not only did the researchers deploy one of the largest class superconducting quantum computers, but they also managed to quadruple the density of the qubits by fitting 256 qubits into the casing used for the previous generation quantum computer that used 64 qubits. Researchers credit this fourfold increase in density to a combination of high-density integration technology and an advanced thermal design. They assembled 4-qubit 'unit cells' side by side and layered the connected cells in three dimensions, a technique known as a 3D connection structure. 'Using this structure, we can scale the quantum chip without design change… We can make any size qubit chip using a 3D connect structure,' Yoshiyasu Doi, Senior Researcher, RIKEN RQC-FUJITSU Collaboration Centre, told Euronews Next. Fujitsu says the technique enables efficient scaling of qubits without requiring complex redesigns. Quantum computers must operate in extreme cold temperatures, and larger qubits typically need more space due to heat generation. The new 256-qubit system, housed at the RIKEN RQC-FUJITSU Collaboration Centre in Wako, Japan, includes a cooling system that can reach temperatures as low as 20 millikelvin, close to absolute zero, the coldest temperature possible in nature. 'To implement a larger number of components, thermal heat is a very difficult problem…in the new design, we can reduce the power of the amplifier by over 60 per cent. Heat balance is very important to build a larger system,' said Doi. When building a quantum system, every qubit needs an input and output connection. Scaling entails more complex packaging, cabling, and cryogenic infrastructure to manage those connections. 'One of the key advancements that Fujitsu is demonstrating here is the cabling side, getting into a higher density,' Jonathan Burnett, the deputy director for research at the National Quantum Computing Centre in the United Kingdom, told Euronews Next. While American companies such as IBM and AWS have developed similar high-density cabling and integration, no European group currently has a deployed system with this level of cable density, Burnett says. 'Europe-wide, this would be quite a leap against [it]'. Fujitsu says it aims to launch a 1,000-qubit computer in 2026. 'A 1,000 qubit system is a very cost-consuming device. So at first we have to make the technologies to build such a bigger system… Using this dense design, we can build a larger system, like the 1,000 qubit system,' Doi said. Experts say that scaling is critical to advance the benefits of superconducting quantum computers. 'You start to encounter novel problems… that might only occur because you're trying to do 10 things at once and therefore you don't encounter it if you're never working at that size,' Burnett says. 'The impressive thing that does come from what physics Fujitsu is working on is actually encountering those genuine problems of scale that do come from ultimately operating a kind of larger number,' he added. However, ensuring the quality of qubits is as important as the quantity of qubits. Accessible for research institutions and companies globally The new 256-qubit quantum computer is accessible via a cloud platform for companies and research institutions to run complicated calculations. 'Hybrid quantum platform with this machine and quantum simulator. And we provide such a system to our customers, to our collaborators, such as research institutes all over the world,' Doi said. Fujitsu says it's currently working with four companies in Japan, covering industries from finance to chemicals, and aims to expand these collaborations globally. Other partnerships exist, but the company has not disclosed specific details for confidentiality reasons. Quantum computers hold the promise of advancing drug research, finance, and the discovery of new materials thanks to their unprecedented computing capabilities. However, there is broad agreement within the industry that the journey to fully practical quantum computing remains a long one. One million qubits is often seen as the threshold for fault-tolerant, large-scale quantum computing to solve truly practical and complex problems. In 2023, the UK outlined its Quantum Mission 1 as part of a national roadmap toward useful quantum computing. It estimates that around one million physical qubits will be needed to run real-world algorithms like Shor's, which is often used as a benchmark. However, experts concur that smaller systems are crucial stepping stones. 'We have to proceed [with] quantum technology step by step. To solve practical problems, we have to build a one-million-cubic system…So, in that sense, to develop the 1,000 qubit system is one of the steps,' Doi said. For more on this story, watch the video in the media player above.
Straits Times
01-06-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Tomoyuki Doi named Player of the Year at Singapore Premier League awards night
Geylang International's Tomoyuki Doi wins the AIA Player of the Year gong, Golden Boot and a special award at the SPL Awards Night held at Orchard Hotel on June 1, 2025. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO SINGAPORE – Fresh off a stunning season in which Tomoyuki Doi plundered a league-record 44 goals in 31 Singapore Premier League (SPL) appearances, the Geylang International striker was crowned the AIA Player of the Year for a second time on June 1. The Japanese striker's hands were full after the 2024-25 SPL Awards Night at Orchard Hotel, as he also won the Golden Boot and a special award for surpassing former Singapore Armed Forces FC forward Mirko Grabovac's record of 38 goals in a 33-game campaign in 2001. 'At the start of the season, of course I couldn't imagine that I will end it with these goals and awards. I am thankful for all my teammates who have helped me to achieve such a special season and night,' said the 27-year-old. Just as he did in 2021, when he won the Player of the Year award and Golden Boot with Hougang United before returning home to play in the Japan third tier with Fujieda MYFC, Doi confirmed that he will leave the SPL again. ST understands that he has sealed a move to Thai giants BG Pathum United. While Doi declined to confirm his destination, he added: 'I am going for a new challenge and a new experience which I'm really excited about. I will miss my teammates and coaches and I'm really sad to leave Singapore.' Revealing that he had received several offers from the region before deciding on the move, Doi added that he had been 'stressed' while weighing up his options. Brunei DPMM, who will be playing in the Malaysia Super League (MSL) next season, had publicly indicated their interest in SPL's top hitman, while reports in Malaysia also linked him with MSL runners-up Selangor FC. 'Ultimately, I felt positive about what (the new club) thought about me, how much they expressed they wanted me, what kind of players they have and the project they are building,' he added without naming the club. Doi, whose goals helped Geylang finish third in the nine-team league – their highest placing since finishing second in 2003 – was also named in the SPL Team of the Year. He also became only the second player to win the SPL Player of the Year award more than once, joining former Lions forward Aleksandar Duric, who claimed the prestigious honour in 2007, 2008, and 2012. Another Japanese talisman leaving the SPL following an award-winning season is Seia Kunori. The BG Tampines Rovers attacker made it back-to-back campaigns of being named the Young Player of the Year. It is understood that the 24-year-old will be joining Thai top-tier side Bangkok United after two seasons here. Like Doi, Kunori declined to confirm the move, but said he was looking to improve as a player. Kunori, who racked up 17 goals and 12 assists in 32 SPL games, added: 'Every year, I keep wanting to be a better player. Wherever I go, I want to be champion and that is what I will try to achieve.' Meanwhile, the Sailors' domestic clean sweep – winning the SPL and the Singapore Cup – saw Aleksandar Rankovic bagging the Coach of the Year accolade. The Sailors also made a historic journey to the AFC Champions League Two (ACL2) final, where they lost 2-1 to Emirati giants Sharjah FC. The 46-year-old Serb, who was appointed Sailors coach in June 2023, said: 'Winning everything domestically, getting to the ACL2 final was a dream. It's an honour to win this award but it belongs to my staff and players because without them, I won't get it.' The Sailors were represented by their Player of the Year nominees Bailey Wright and Shawal Anuar, as well as Toni Datkovic, Maxime Lestienne, Bart Ramselaar and Lennart Thy in the Team of the Year. Rankovic and his players will now be heading overseas for a break with their respective families before the next season kicks off in August. ST understands that among the changes mooted for the new season are an increase in the foreign player quota. The latest campaign saw each club registering up to nine foreigners, including three Under-21 players, with clubs having to field at least five local players on each matchday. Deepanraj Ganesan is a sports journalist at The Straits Times focusing on football, athletics, combat sports and policy-related news. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Singapore Premier League top scorer Tomoyuki Doi undecided over future amid interest from abroad
Geylang International's Tomoyuki Doi getting attention from the Lion City Sailors' Rui Pires (left) and Hami Syahin during a Singapore Premier League game on May 4, when he scored twice in Geylang's 3-2 win. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR SINGAPORE – Tomoyuki Doi, the Singapore Premier League's (SPL) runaway leading scorer, is a wanted man. Plundering 44 goals in 28 Singapore Premier League (SPL) games for the Eagles has placed Doi firmly on the radar of clubs in the region, who are eager to prise Geylang's talisman away when his contract is up at the end of the 2024-25 campaign. Brunei DPMM declared their intentions early on, stating on their website that they are eyeing the 27-year-old Japanese striker as the Wasps bid to return to the Malaysia Super League (MSL) next season. Reports in Malaysia have also linked Doi with MSL runners-up Selangor FC. The Red Giants, who are led by Japanese coach Katsuhito Kinoshi, will be looking to challenge Johor Darul Takzim's domestic dominance and better their showing in the Asian Champions League Two after a narrow group-stage exit this season. While he admitted that he had received interest from other clubs, Doi remained tight-lipped about his suitors. 'I cannot say what will happen in the future, because we never know what's going to happen tomorrow. What I can do is to focus and shape my skills as a striker every day,' said Doi, who underlined his predatory instincts on May 4 when he scored a double to help Geylang beat Lion City Sailors 3-2, ending the SPL leaders' 16-game unbeaten run in the league. He said that he has not decided on anything yet, adding: 'It depends on the situation. I have to focus on playing with the team first, and after the season ends, we will see.' Having signed for Geylang in January 2024, Doi had stated at the start of the season that he 'wants to be a legend' in the SPL. In March 2025, he fulfilled that pledge as he eclipsed the record for most SPL strikes in a season set by Mirko Grabovac, who racked up 38 goals in a 33-game campaign for Singapore Armed Forces FC in 2001. Thanks largely to his 44-goal tally, Geylang are on course to finish in the top three for the first time since 2003, when they were second. Doi, who has 16 more goals than his closest challenger, the Sailors' Lennard Thy, is also a shoo-in for his second SPL Golden Boot award. Geylang coach Noor Ali is pleased to see Doi, who also scored six goals in four Singapore Cup games, getting the recognition that he deserves. 'I'm happy for him. Of course, you definitely want to keep this kind of striker. There's not only Brunei DPMM (interested in him). There's a lot of clubs chasing after him. It's nice to see if the players progress and get better contracts, and I'm happy for them,' he said. But he acknowledged the mammoth task of filling the void that Doi's potential departure might leave. 'Definitely (tough to find a replacement). You have a striker scoring nearly 50 goals per season, and I think that's something that is going to be very, very hard for us to fill. But let's see, there are still three more games to go this season, maybe we can keep Doi for next season,' he added. Doi rose to prominence when he notched 19 goals for Hougang United in the 2021 season, a year after a league-winning campaign with Albirex Niigata. His exploits saw him winning the 2021 Player of the Year and Golden Boot awards. He returned to his home country in 2022, turning out 18 times for then J3 League outfit Fujieda MYFC, scoring four goals. In 2023, he played eight matches for Albanian first-tier side FK Bylis before returning to the SPL with Geylang the following year. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Tomoyuki Doi's double hands Lion City Sailors a shock defeat
Geylang International forward Tomoyuki Doi celebrating his goal with Vincent Bezecourt in the 3-2 win over the Lion City Sailors at Our Tampines Hub on May 4. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR SINGAPORE – Table-toppers Lion City Sailors' 16-game unbeaten run in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) came to an end at the hands of record goalscorer Tomoyuki Doi, as the Geylang International forward netted twice to mastermind a 3-2 upset at Our Tampines Hub. The loss on May 4 marked the Sailors' first SPL defeat since they fell to Albirex Niigata 3-1 last August. Having taken a 2-0 lead through Lennart Thy and Shawal Anuar, the Sailors failed to see out the win as they fell to a stunning comeback, with Ryoya Taniguchi and Doi helping the Eagles flip the script to steal the victory. The Sailors, with a far superior goal difference, will need at least four points in their remaining three games to edge out second-placed BG Tampines Rovers, who have a game in hand, in the title chase. The leaders are due to face bottom side Tanjong Pagar United (May 10), Balestier Khalsa (May 14) and Tampines (May 24). They will also meet Sharjah FC of the United Arab Emirates in the Asian Champions League Two final on May 18. The defeat took Sailors' coach Aleksandar Rankovic by surprise. 'It was a tough defeat. It's not something we are used to, especially in our league. (With the loss) coming at this moment, it definitely doesn't help,' he said. 'We still have everything in our hands, and we still (are in) control (of) everything.' Sailors' captain Hariss Harun, who returned to the squad after serving a one-match suspension, said: 'It was not a good result, not the result we wanted. We just need to regroup and go again.' On squandering the lead, he added: 'We never want this (to happen). It's very frustrating for us. We shouldn't let this happen, but we cannot change the result now. We need to go back and work hard and try to do it in the next games.' Meanwhile, Geylang coach Noor Ali heaped praises on his charges, highlighting the contributions of his record-breaking striker. 'It's a collective effort, but Doi was superb from the front. He was pressing well, he was giving us good attacking options, and we know what Doi can do. He has been solid in that regard. It's nice to beat the league leaders,' he said. The Sailors broke the deadlock in the 34th minute when a swift through ball by winger Maxime Lestienne found the clever run of Thy, who took a deft touch, spun sharply and drilled it into the far corner. Five minutes later, Lestienne whipped in a cross to the back post into the path of an unmarked Shawal, who guided the ball past former Sailors goalkeeper Rudy Khairullah for his 18th league goal of the season. Geylang pulled one back right before the interval when a precise one-two between Taniguchi and Vincent Bezecourt down the wing ended in a low cross fizzed into the feet of an onrushing Doi, who made no mistake from close range. In the 71st minute, Geylang stunned the crowd when midfielder Takahiro Tezuka pinged a hopeful ball into the box and Taniguchi nipped in to poke home and level the score. Not content with the draw, Tezuka caught the Sailors on the counter-attack as he played the ball out quickly to Bezecourt, who capped off his marauding run with a defence-splitting pass to find Doi through on goal. The Japanese coolly lifted the ball over Sailors' custodian Izwan Mahbud with four minutes left to cap off the shock win. Doi's brace took his tally to 44 goals in 29 games as the top-knotted hitman continued to plunder goals at will. 'Throughout this season, (during the games) against the Lion City Sailors, we worked very hard, but we couldn't win. So the most important thing was to win the game, and I'm very happy to get two goals,' the 27-year-old Japanese forward said. Having set the lofty target of scoring more than one goal per game, Doi has surpassed expectations with his current haul but stayed grounded. 'I keep working very hard every game to score one goal, two goals, and after the season, I have (reached) this number. What I did was to focus on every game, and that's the most important thing. And in the end, if I can get a better (tally), it is better for me,' he added. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
21-04-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Uncertainty over Brunei DPMM's participation in next Singapore Premier League season
SINGAPORE – A huge question mark is hanging over Brunei DPMM's participation in next season's Singapore Premier League (SPL), with the Bruneian club indicating their interest to return to the Malaysia Super League (MSL). DPMM stated on their website recently that they are eyeing Geylang International striker and the SPL's record-breaking top scorer Tomoyuki Doi for the MSL next term. 'With the signing of Doi, it will help DPMM to excel in the league for their debut season in the Malaysia Super League,' DPMM added of the Japanese, who has racked up 42 goals and 10 assists in 27 SPL games for the Eagles. When contacted, DPMM coach Jamie McAllister said that the move is 'not confirmed yet', but the club said in another post on their website that talks for a return to the Malaysian competition are looking 'positive'. On April 21, Malaysian daily New Straits Times also reported on the Bruneian side's keenness to be part of the MSL again. If the move goes ahead, the SPL will be left with only eight teams. But the Straits Times understands that there could be a replacement, as the 2025-26 season could possibly see the inclusion of Tengah FC. Asked to comment on the situation, a Football Association of Singapore (FAS) spokesperson said: 'Brunei DPMM is a long-time, valued partner of our local football fraternity and we are looking forward to watching them compete for honours in the upcoming Singapore Cup semi-finals.' 'We have an active Request for Proposal in process, and this is part of our efforts to refresh and rejuvenate the league competition, and we will make announcements on any new developments in due course,' the spokesperson added, referring to its search for new SPL clubs. Tengah had received 'in-principle approval' to participate in the 2024-25 SPL campaign. But they decided to withdraw a month before the season kicked off in May 2024, after the due diligence process took longer than expected. Tengah chairman Louis Amalorpavanathan told ST then: 'The process... took longer than expected. It's been a while since a new club were admitted into the SPL, so I think both us and the FAS learnt a lot from the exercise. 'But rather than rush to kick off only a month away, we felt it would be the more responsible thing to do to compete in 2025-26.' If DPMM's move goes ahead, it would come at a time when some MSL clubs have been hit by financial issues, making it uncertain if they will be able to take part next season. DPMM had taken part in the second-tier Malaysia Premier League in 2005-06 and gained promotion to the top-tier MSL, where they finished third and 10th in the following seasons. They joined the SPL when it was known as the in 2009 and won the League Cup. However, they were removed from the league after Fifa imposed a global ban on the Football Association of Brunei Darussalam following government interference in their affairs. DPMM rejoined the in 2012, winning it in 2015 and 2019. But they were unable to defend their title in 2020 after the Covid-19 pandemic broke out. When the season resumed later that year amid safe-management measures, they had to withdraw due to travel restrictions in their country. After sitting out the 2021 and 2022 seasons, they returned to SPL for the 2023 campaign, finishing seventh in the nine-team competition. With five games left this season, they are in the same position but have reached the last four of the Singapore Cup where they will face the Lion City Sailors. Melvyn Teoh is a sports journalist at The Straits Times. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
