Japan

IBM Research in Japan (also known as IBM Research - Tokyo, TRL) was established in 1982 as IBM’s fourth research laboratory and the organization’s first in Asia. Located in Tokyo, Shin-Kawasaki and Kyoto, the lab led pioneering research in accessibility, microdevices, system software, embedded systems, security and privacy, and more. The lab is currently investigating new applications for foundation models and LLMs, while also leading efforts in digital health and AI-aided accessibility technologies, hybrid cloud infrastructure for AI and secure computation, quantum computing, and semiconductors.

Japanese site

Visit the Japanese-language page

Meet the team

We are a growing team of researchers, scientists, engineers, and designers pioneering scientific breakthroughs. Our work advances artificial intelligence, hybrid cloud, quantum computing, semiconductors, and scientific discovery.

Takeshi Fukuda

Director, IBM Research - Tokyo

Mori Ohara

Deputy Director, IBM Research Tokyo, Distinguished Engineer, Chief SW Engineer for Hybrid Cloud on IBM HW

Ryuki Tachibana

Client Delivery Lead, Senior Technical Staff Member, IBM Quantum

Gakuto Kurata

Distinguished Engineer and Chief Scientist for Spoken Conversational Systems

Fumiko Satoh

STSM, Senior Manager, AI Automation

Michiharu Kudo

STSM, Senior Manager of Algorithms and Applications

Kiyo Kawachiya

STSM, Sr. Mgr, Systems & Strategy, TRL

Shizu Takahashi

Director, Technology Engagement and Acceleration, Head of IBM Kyoto Research Park Office

View all team members

Projects

Analog AI
Making Deep Neural Network systems more capable and energy-efficient.
AI Suitcase
Helping visually-impaired users to independently walk around and self-navigate
Silicon Bridge Chiplet Integration
Developing a new chiplet integration technology using silicon bridge for advanced semiconductor packaging.
Quantum Challenges
Behavioral Analysis for Alzheimer's Disease
Multiple digital health-related applications for Alzheimer's disease using behavioral sensor data

View more projects

News

Blog Post

Leading the future of semiconductors in Japan to power the devices of tomorrow

IBM Research BlogDec 13, 2022

Think Lab

Think Lab Tokyo is an active research hub and a place for co‑creation. Through direct dialogue with IBM researchers, we provide opportunities to discover the business value of next‑generation computing and examine how it can be connected to your company’s technology strategy and implementation. Together, we explore possibilities from a practical perspective and help crystallize the next steps.

At Think Lab Tokyo, we prioritize quantum computing—the core of next‑generation computing—and hybrid cloud infrastructure for AI, which supports AI‑native business. In addition, we present research outcomes to which IBM Research – Tokyo has made significant contributions—including advanced semiconductors (such as AI chips), new applications of foundation models / large language models (LLMs), materials development platforms, and digital health and AI‑aided accessibility technologies—as concrete examples that serve as starting points for discussion.

By translating cutting‑edge technologies into practical use cases and clarifying the decision criteria needed for governance and execution, Think Lab Tokyo facilitates co‑creation workshops, fosters insight‑driven conversations, and makes the path from exploration to implementation concrete.