Greetings
Welcome Message from the Steering Committee Chair
It is my great honor and pleasure to welcome you to the 2026 Asia-Pacific Microwave Conference (APMC 2026), held in Fukuoka, Japan, the vibrant gateway city of Kyushu—long recognized as Japan’s historical gateway to Asia and the world. Situated at the western edge of Japan, Kyushu has for centuries served as a vital interface between Japan and the Asian continent. This role extended naturally into the modern era of communications. In the early 20th century, international wireless communication infrastructure was established in this region, including overseas radio links centered around Nagasaki, such as the Nagasaki Wireless Telegraph Station, which played a key role in connecting Japan with the rest of the world. In parallel, military communication facilities, including those in Sasebo, contributed to the advancement of long-distance wireless technologies and operational RF systems. As the host city of APMC 2026, Fukuoka serves as a major economic and technological hub in Kyushu, with strong connections to Asia and a dynamic environment that fosters innovation and international collaboration.
Following these developments, Kyushu and its surrounding regions have continued to contribute to advanced communication and space technologies. The Uchinoura Space Center has supported scientific satellite missions and deep-space exploration, where microwave and RF technologies are essential for telemetry, tracking, and control. In addition, the Tanegashima Space Center has served as Japan’s primary launch site for large-scale rockets and satellite deployments, playing a crucial role in space-based communication infrastructure. Together, these facilities illustrate the continuous evolution of microwave technologies from terrestrial communication to space systems. In parallel, Kyushu has developed into one of Japan’s leading semiconductor regions, often referred to as “Silicon Island.” The region hosts a concentration of semiconductor manufacturing and device development activities, forming a robust industrial ecosystem that supports high-frequency and high-performance electronics. This foundation has been instrumental in advancing microwave and millimeter-wave technologies, particularly in the development of compound semiconductor devices and integrated circuits.
The Asia-Pacific Microwave Conference has a long and distinguished history of fostering collaboration and advancing microwave science and technology across the region. Japan has hosted APMC on multiple occasions and has consistently demonstrated leadership in both academic research and industrial innovation. Hosting APMC 2026 in Fukuoka, at the heart of Kyushu, represents not only a continuation of this leadership, but also a unique opportunity to further expand collaboration across Asia from a region deeply rooted in the history of communication, space, and semiconductor technologies.
Building upon this legacy, microwave engineering in Kyushu and Japan has played a central role in the evolution of wireless communication—from early radio systems to today’s advanced high-frequency and high-speed networks. Today, its importance is rapidly expanding into emerging technological domains, with semiconductor technologies serving as a primary driver of innovation. Microwave and millimeter-wave engineering are fundamental to enabling advanced semiconductor technologies, including high-frequency device platforms such as GaN, SiC, and advanced CMOS, as well as heterogeneous integration, chiplet architectures, and advanced packaging. These technologies underpin next-generation computing and communication systems. At the same time, in the rapidly evolving field of quantum computing, microwave engineering plays an indispensable role in qubit control, readout, and cryogenic system integration. The convergence of microwave, semiconductor, and quantum technologies will be a key factor in shaping future technological paradigms.
APMC 2026 is organized under the concept:
“Microwave Innovation from Kyushu as Japan’s Historical Gateway.”
This concept reflects both the historical significance of Kyushu in global communication and its emerging role in pioneering new technological frontiers. Looking ahead, I strongly hope that APMC 2026, from Fukuoka in Kyushu, will serve as a catalyst for broadening and deepening connections across the Asia-Pacific region, further strengthening Japan’s leadership in microwave engineering while fostering closer collaboration with international partners. In particular, this conference is expected to promote multi-layered interactions—among students, among industries, and between academia and industry. Encouraging exchanges among young researchers, facilitating partnerships between companies, and creating new opportunities for collaboration between students and industry will be essential for sustaining innovation and nurturing the next generation of leaders in our field. I sincerely hope that APMC 2026 will provide all participants with a stimulating environment to exchange ideas, establish meaningful collaborations, and create lasting connections that extend beyond this conference.
I look forward to welcoming you to Fukuoka.
Kenjiro Nishikawa
APMC 2026 Steering Committee Chair