Apple, the research and development center established in Yokohama.

Apple is the 9th, revealed to be established a new research and development center in Yokohama. First company to put the research and development facilities in other than the United States. In relation to this, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said, "Apple has decided to research and development of cutting-edge in Japan" on the street speech in Saitama City. Yoshihide Suga also Chief Cabinet Secretary in the city of Yokohama meeting, "early next year" to Minato Mirai district showed the prospect of to be installed.
In Japan, smart phone "iPhone (iPhone)" and tablet-type multi-function mobile terminal "iPad (iPad)" There are many parts supply manufacturers such. For Apple, it can be seen that there is aim to lead to strengthening the competitiveness of existing products by based in Japan. Automotive and healthcare IT is growing, such as research of future growth areas housing, also a likely speculation to accelerate in cooperation with Japanese companies.
Apple, issued a comment that "I think pleased that business is further expanding in Japan. Also lead to a number of job creation" in the establishment of research and development centers. However, for such as opening timing and specific research content, you are going to not be evident at this time.


米アップルは9日、横浜市に研究開発拠点を新設することを明らかにした。同社が米国以外に研究開発拠点を置くのは初めて。これに関連し、安倍晋三首相はさいたま市での街頭演説で「アップルが最先端の研究開発を日本ですると決めた」と語った。菅官房長官も横浜市内の会合で、みなとみらい地区に「来年早々」設置されるとの見通しを示した。
　日本には、スマートフォン「iPhone」やタブレット型多機能携帯端末「iPad」などの部品供給メーカーが多く存在する。アップルにとって、日本に拠点を置くことで既存製品の競争力強化につなげる狙いがあるとみられる。IT化が進む自動車や医療、住宅など今後の成長分野の研究を、日本企業と連携して加速させる思惑もありそうだ。
　アップルは、研究開発拠点の設置で「日本での事業がさらに拡大されることをうれしく思う。数多くの雇用創出にもつながる」とのコメントを出した。ただ、開設時期や具体的な研究内容などについては、現時点で明らかにできないとしている。どんな分野の研究開発を進めていくのか注目ですね。