Japan’s Space Industry – Current Realities and Future Outlook

Government-backed large-scale initiatives, a surge of new startups, and even private citizens venturing into space — Japan’s space industry is now entering a historic period of transformation, accompanied by unprecedented excitement. But behind these dazzling headlines, where exactly does Japan stand in the global space race today? In this session, we welcome four leading figures who are driving Japan’s space industry to uncover its real state and future vision in depth. From the perspective of a venture capitalist funding domestic space startups; a technologist pioneering the global market through ultra-small satellites; a space transportation developer striving to make space travel accessible to everyone; and a pioneer creating a new market for stratospheric balloon-based space tourism— each will share candid insights from their front-line experience. Together, they will discuss Japan’s strengths and weaknesses, the real challenges being faced today, and the vision of what the next decade of Japan’s space industry might look like — with no sugarcoating. Join this session to experience the forefront of a massive industry poised to drive Japan’s next phase of growth — and to discover the boundless business opportunities expanding beyond our atmosphere.