Ericsson to open major R&D centre in Yokohama, Japan

First announced in May 2025, the facility will be based in Yokohama’s Minato Mirai 21 district, south of Tokyo, close to the company’s existing operations. It is scheduled to begin activities in April 2026, with an official inauguration planned for the first half of 2027.

The centre will focus on advanced radio hardware and software development for both the Japanese and global markets. Its remit includes high-performing programmable 5G networks, next-generation mobile technologies and open network architectures such as Open RAN.

Dedicated on-site office and collaboration space will support work with customers, partners and international standardisation bodies.

Jan Fallgren has been appointed head of Ericsson Radio R&D in Japan and will lead the team responsible for driving next-generation communications technologies.

Recruitment is already under way, targeting Japanese university graduates and experienced professionals across telecommunications, software and hardware disciplines. As previously outlined, up to 300 R&D roles could ultimately be created.

The investment strengthens Ericsson’s footprint in a city widely regarded for its concentration of technology businesses, academic institutions and public-private collaboration initiatives. By expanding its R&D presence, the company aims to deepen engagement with the Japanese government, local authorities and industry partners while nurturing the next generation of telecoms engineers.

Takeharu Yamanaka, Mayor of Yokohama said: “We are working to make Yokohama City an attractive choice for global companies’ research and development centres.

“Therefore, I would like to wholeheartedly welcome Ericsson – a global pioneer in mobile communications and world leader in 5G communications technology – choosing Yokohama as its new research and development hub in Japan.

“I anticipate that the advancement of cutting-edge wireless communication technologies, including 6G, at the new R&D centre will foster new innovations, cultivate the next generation of talent, and revitalize Yokohama’s economy.”

Chafic Nassif, head of Ericsson market area Northeast Asia said: “Telecom is critical infrastructure that must be both high-performing and secure at all times. Our expansion in Yokohama is not only about building more R&D capacity, it is about working even more closely with Japanese customers and partners. By co-innovating in Japan for the world, we will strengthen the broader Japanese ICT ecosystem and support the country’s digital transformation and economic security.”

Anna Dicander, head of radio & transport engineering, business area networks, Ericsson added: “We’re partnering with Japanese companies, universities, startups, and government agencies to bring innovations in 5G and 6G to the world. By combining Ericsson’s global expertise with Japan’s engineering talent, we’ll drive advances in next-generation radio technologies, AI-powered networks, and energy-efficient solutions, empowering Japanese engineers to shape the future of telecommunications.”

Ericsson invests around US$5bn annually in global R&D. The Yokohama site will act as a key hub within that network, reinforcing its position in 5G and future mobile technologies.

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