Ericsson has confirmed that its new telecom innovation R&D center in Japan, first announced in May 2025 as part of its ongoing global investment initiatives, will be located in Yokohama, south of Tokyo. The facility strengthens Ericsson’s long-term commitment to advancing next-generation mobile technologies while deepening collaboration within Japan’s ICT ecosystem.
Jan Fallgren has been appointed Head of the Ericsson Radio R&D team that will lead development efforts at the new center. The team will focus on next-generation communications technologies and contribute to enhancing Japan’s telecom expertise within Ericsson’s global R&D network.
Situated near Ericsson’s existing operations in Yokohama’s Minato Mirai 21 district, the new center will concentrate on advanced radio hardware and software development for both Japanese and international markets. Core research areas will include high-performance programmable 5G networks, next-generation mobile technologies, and open network architectures such as O-RAN. The facility will also support collaboration with customers and partners through dedicated office and co-innovation spaces, including participation in international standardization activities.
Yokohama, recognized for its strong public-private-academic collaboration environment and access to skilled talent, has attracted a broad range of technology-driven industries and institutions. Ericsson has begun recruitment, targeting Japanese university graduates and experienced professionals in telecommunications, software, and hardware engineering. Operations at the R&D Center are scheduled to begin in April 2026, with an official inauguration planned for the first half of 2027. As previously announced, the facility could create up to 300 R&D positions over time.
Takeharu Yamanaka, mayor of Yokohama, says, “We are working to make Yokohama City an attractive choice for global companies’ research and development centers. 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 center will foster innovations, cultivate the next generation of talent, and revitalize Yokohama’s economy.”
Chafic Nassif, Head of Ericsson Market Area Northeast Asia, says: “Telecom is a 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, but it is also 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 at Ericsson, highlighted plans to collaborate with Japanese companies, universities, startups, and government agencies to advance 5G and 6G innovations, AI-powered networks, and energy-efficient solutions. Ericsson invests approximately USD 5 billion annually in global R&D. The Yokohama R&D Center will serve as a key hub within Ericsson’s worldwide research network, supporting innovation for both domestic and global markets.