The US and Japan in Space: Launching A Global Pacific based Partnership

Speakers:
Naoko Yamazaki, Space Port Japan, Astronaut and Representative Director         
Koichi Wakata, Axiom Space, Astronaut and Chief Technology Officer
Yuko Kakazu, NAOJ (National Astronomical Observatory of Japan) and TIO (TMT International Observatory), Astronomer    
Hardy TS Kagimoto, MD, Healios K.K, Founder, Chairman and CEO
Chris Blackerby, Astroscale Group, COO   

Sponsors:
Gary Moriwaki, Partner, Windels Marx
Scott Sato, Chairman, Circlace K.K.
Theodore Miller, President & CEO, Empire Entertainment Japan

This was an inaugural panel for Japan Society’s Future Council which focuses on the areas of future cooperation between the U.S. and Japan, highlighting STEM, next generation and women. Our recent event brought together leading voices in space exploration to celebrate the enduring partnership between the United States and Japan, highlighting the shared vision that has inspired our advancements in space. Announced earlier this year during a state visit, the next astronaut set to walk on the moon will be a Japanese national and American crew, marking a historic moment in the ongoing collaboration between our nations.

The event explored how space exploration has evolved from the early days of science fiction to a reality where over 10,000 satellites orbit Earth, with a permanent human presence in low-Earth orbit for more than two decades. This transformation has been driven not only by governments but by innovative venture-backed startups, reshaping the space economy and creating new opportunities for partnership and growth.

Our speakers represented the forefront of this revolution, discussing the roles of women leaders in STEM, sustainable space development, and the critical advancements in technology, communications and transportation led by companies in the U.S. and Japan. The discussion underscored the vital intersection of politics, economics, security and innovation that makes the U.S.-Japan alliance a driving force behind global progress in space.

This event marks the beginning of an annual series that will continue to explore the vast opportunities within the space industry, setting the stage for deeper collaboration and innovation in the years to come.