Apple announced on Tuesday that it will be opening a new research and development center in Japan, reports The Wall Street Journal. The announcement followed a statement by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who revealed earlier today that Apple was eyeing Japan for its research expansion.
Abe relayed the information about Apple while campaigning in Tokyo, stating that Apple planned to "conduct the most advanced research and development in Japan." Abe went on to describe the facility as being "among the largest in Asia." Apple confirmed these R&D plans in a statement released to the media.
"We’re excited to expand our operations in Japan with a new technical development center in Yokohama which will create dozens of new jobs," Apple said in a statement.
Apple did not reveal on how it will use the future Yokohama site or how much it is investing in the facility. The operation will join other research and development centers Apple operates in China, Taiwan, Israel and other overseas locations. The company reportedly also is opening a new research center in Cambridge, England within the coming weeks.
Update 12/10/14: Though Apple has not disclosed the focus of its Japan-based research and development center, Nikkei reports that it will "center around health." The building is located in an economic zone designated as a hub for life sciences and environmental technology, and Apple is sponsoring research on blood pressure and blood sugar conducted in Yokohama.
