Event Overview

• Event Name: New Era of Japan-US Business Collaboration in Space 
• Date: Friday, July 10, 2026 
• Venue: Deloitte Innovation Park Room D , Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) 
• Attendees: Approximately 80 corporate representatives interested in the space business 
• Program Structure:
  • Keynote speech by NASA's Asia Representative 
  • Presentations on the latest industry trends by three US corporate leaders 
  • Two panel discussions featuring Japanese and US space sector leaders 
  • Introduction of Deloitte’s space business by DTSS 
  • Fireside chat discussing the future vision of Japan-US collaboration 

From Lunar Exploration to a Sustainable Space Economy

• In her opening remarks, Eiko Nagatsu, Chief Growth Officer of Deloitte Tohmatsu Group, emphasized that combining US innovation and strong business execution capabilities with Japanese technological strength and reliability can generate even greater value. 
• Delivering the keynote speech, Rebecca Levy, Asia Representative at NASA, explained that the US-led "Artemis Program" for crewed lunar exploration has set an exciting goal of establishing a permanent lunar base. The number of countries that have signed the Artemis Accords has exceeded 68, with collaboration across Asian nations progressing smoothly. She highlighted that cooperation with Japan has continued for nearly 60 years, with over 700 agreements signed to date. She also noted that Japan and Germany are the only two nations collaborating with NASA across all four of its primary mission directorates [1]. 

• Emphasizing the arrival of a new era, Ms. Levy stressed that space development is "transitioning from a phase of exploring together to a phase of establishing a presence for the future." She underscored NASA's commitment to further advancing cooperation with Japanese research institutions and private enterprises toward sustained human activity on the lunar surface, jointly shaping a sustainable space economy.

  

  Ms. Levy, Asia Representative at NASA

Ample Scope for Japanese Companies in the New Space Era

Presentations on the latest industry trends were delivered by three executives from US space-related enterprises: 

• Tiffany Wong Hall, Head of Commercial & International Sales at Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, introduced the video message of the founder, citing "It's time to go back to the Moon, this time to stay". She stated that over the past decade, the company has procured components and parts from 29 Japanese companies and expressed Blue Origin's intention to expand procurement from Japan. She also emphasized that Blue Origin would support lunar base operations through power supply and transportation, as well as resource identification via high-resolution mapping — delivered in partnership with civil agencies and commercial partners. 
• Nick Orenstein, Co-Founder and CEO of Manifest Space, described his company as one that makes satellites "easier to find, identify, and coordinate." With the number of satellites expected to increase roughly tenfold from current levels by the early 2030s—heightening the risks of collisions and satellite losses—he outlined plans to  build a satellite coordination system analogous to existing operations for aircraft and maritime vessels. He highly praised Japan's culture of prioritizing safety from the initial stages of development, as well as its expertise in mass production, reliability, and component supply derived from the automotive industry. He stressed that as the space industry transitions into full-scale mass production, extensive opportunities exist for Japan-US collaboration across diverse domains.

• Michael Conschafter, Director of Business Development, Space Sector at L3Harris Technologies, explained that his company supports Japan's typhoon monitoring by integrating technology into Himawari-8 and Himawari-9 weather satellites that enables full-disk observations every 10 minutes. He also highlighted L3Harris's track record in building systems that detect missile threats from space in addition to ground-based tracking. He emphasized that defense, public life, the economy, and military operations in both Japan and the US are increasingly dependent on space-related technologies, underscoring the need to strengthen bilateral ties to stay ahead of evolving threats. 

  

  (Left) Ms. Wong Hall | (Center) Mr. Conschafter | (Right) Mr. Orenstein

The New Era of Japan-US Space Collaboration and Business Enhancement

The first panel discussion, titled "Creating Next Generation of Japan-US Collaboration Model," addressed the significance of bilateral space cooperation, barriers hindering collaboration, and future directions. The panel featured Mr. Conschafter of L3Harris, Mr. Orenstein of Manifest Space, and Naoko Sugita, Advisor to the Director, Earth Observation Program Strategy Office / Earth Observation Research Center at JAXA. The session was moderated by Stan Crow, Vice President, Defense and Space Technology at EdgeCortix, a Japanese fabless semiconductor company. 

Significance and Benefits of Japan-US Cooperation

• Ms. Sugita (JAXA) explained that in Earth observation in particular, Japan and the US have jointly accumulated observation data and scientific insights for nearly 30 years since the late 1990s using increasingly sophisticated sensors and satellites. She stated the collaborative relationship has become so deeply rooted that it represents an "embedded element" of space activities, forming an essential foundation. 
• Mr. Conschafter emphasized that weather satellite data is indispensable for military operations in the Indo-Pacific region, noting that sharing observation technology between Japan's "Himawari" and the U.S. GOES satellite [2] enhances observation capabilities across the entire strategic theater. He noted that joint development is also progressing in defense, such as the Glide Phase Interceptor and the Aegis System, stressing that strengthening capabilities to detect and visualize threats from space will be vital moving forward. 

• Mr. Orenstein pointed out from a global supply chain perspective that efficient cooperation is possible when governments and enterprises bring their respective strengths to the table. While Japan currently relies on US data for Space Situational Awareness (SSA), he noted that if joint ventures enable future Japanese satellites to carry commercial sensors, Japan will be able to handle SSA data sovereignly. 

   

Overcoming Barriers

• Mr. Orenstein noted that while differences in culture and communication between Japan and the US can be overcome through mutual understanding, export control regulations still require following a strict government approval process. He stated that technical information sharing requires cautious regulatory operation, which sometimes takes time to coordinate. Furthermore, because the space industry involves long development cycles, securing financing through "patient capital" that does not demand short-term profits is crucial. 
• Mr. Conschafter identified the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) as a major ongoing barrier due to its multi-layered, complex review process that sometimes cannot proceed without internal government champions. However, he emphasized that it is precisely because of these institutional constraints that leadership from both governments is indispensable, noting that early intergovernmental alignment will support the growth of the space industry.  
• Ms. Sugita pointed out that space cooperation is inherently challenging due to the high sensitivity and strategic nature of space technology. She explained that the US was able to provide rocket technology to Japan precisely because of the trust built within their alliance. She expressed the view that setting clear rules and direction for cooperation through international frameworks like the Artemis Accords will become increasingly important. 

Key Points for Deepening Collaboration

• Mr. Conschafter stated that "interoperability" will be especially critical in the future, suggesting that Japan should swiftly adopt US-proven technologies in ground systems and communications to accelerate the deployment of compatible architectures. 
• Ms. Sugita observed that while space discussions in Japan 15 years ago were limited to government, JAXA, and primary contractors, today around 100 startups have entered, forming a multi-layered space ecosystem. She argued that connecting Japan's ecosystem with the massive US market—which attracts a diverse range of players—could further expand new collaborative opportunities. 
• Mr. Orenstein highlighted the growing presence of JAXA and Japanese companies at space conferences across Europe and the US He added that the widespread adoption of video tools like Zoom and Teams, which enables daily and rapid communication among global players, represents a major structural shift accelerating international cooperation. 

• Moderator Stan Crow pointed out that many once-unthinkable technologies in the space industry, such as reusable rockets and AI, were born out of human connections and collaboration, expanding as markets discovered new applications. He emphasized that in defense, it is crucial to broaden the scope of cooperation within the bounds of confidentiality necessary for sovereignty and security, noting that new ideas and partnerships are created through opportunities for interaction. He concluded the panel discussion by expressing his hope that these discussions would lead to new businesses and collaborative relationships five years from now. 

  

  (Left) Mr. Crow | (Right) Ms. Sugita

How Japan Can Become Indispensable to the United States

The second panel discussion focused on "Building Relationship of 'Robust Complementarity,'" exploring what is required for Japan to become an indispensable partner to the United States. The panel featured Ms. Levy of NASA, Ms. Wong Hall of Blue Origin, and Takashi Yokoyama, Head of Business Promotion Group 1, Startup Promotion Department at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC). The session was moderated by Sosuke Nagayama, COO of DTSS. 

Drastic Shift in Public-Private Roles

• Highlighting the participation of numerous private companies like Blue Origin—which is building one of the human landing systems for the Artemis Program—Ms. Levy noted that the Japan-US cooperation model, once dominated by NASA and JAXA, has undergone a major transformation. She stated that the role of government is increasingly shifting toward rulemaking, regulation, and setting examples for sustainable space utilization. Ms. Wong Hall added that Few countries are as consistent as Japan in their commitment to environmental protection, ethics, safety, and accountability, making its inclusion in future US space development plans a natural choice. 
• Mr. Yokoyama of SMBC pointed out that while Japan possesses strong technologies, it also faces three key challenges. First, demand gap is caused by uncertainty surrounding potential non-space users. Second, supply chain gap stemming from a lack of reliable partners in manufacturing, testing, procurement, sales. And the third, financial gap due to low visibility on monetizing heavy upfront investments. 

Difference Between Procurement and Complementarity

• When asked by Moderator Sosuke Nagayama about the distinction between a simple procurement relationship and a complementary partnership, Ms. Wong Hall explained that procurement is transactional, whereas a complementary relationship is strategic and does not force risk onto one party. While buyers in procurement can easily offload risk onto vendors, a complementary relationship requires both sides to invest and share risk jointly, relying on decentralized decision-making based on domain expertise. 
• Ms. Wong Hall emphasized that while forming deep partnerships with highly capable Japanese companies takes time and export control restrictions like ITAR pose hurdles, these challenges must be actively overcome. She argued that "interoperability standards" established on top of intergovernmental frameworks are key to elevating corporate-level collaboration into industry-wide infrastructure. As a concrete example, she noted that if Japanese entities utilize Blue Origin's "Blue Ring"—a platform for in-space communications and data processing—for technology demonstrations, it will serve as an ideal real-world test for interoperability and intergovernmental frameworks. 

Space Station and Financial Institutions

• Ms. Levy cited the International Space Station, built through the collaboration of 15 nations and five space agencies, as a landmark model of successful cooperation. She emphasized that following the retirement of the Space Shuttle in 2011, U.S. authorities partnered with commercial companies like SpaceX, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman to establish commercial flight programs – for cargo and crew, giving rise to a business model where NASA does not own the spacecraft itself. 
• Mr. Yokoyama revealed that out of the 270 billion yen in equity investments and loans SMBC extended to startups over the past three years, approximately 30% was allocated to space-related ventures. He shared that SMBC has appointed external experts knowledgeable in cutting-edge technologies to venture capital investment roles alongside former bankers and established a dedicated team to bridge large corporations and startups. He explained that by acting as an "ecosystem builder" for corporate growth, financial institutions can help evolve complementary relationships into industry infrastructure. 

Priorities for the Next Five Years

• Ms. Wong Hall identified priorities for the next five years spanning Blue Origin's portfolio, adding that the company wants to position aligned-values Japan as a key partner nation: co-developing the lunar economic value chain, advancing Blue Ring's in-space mobility and hosted payload architecture, and deploying TeraWave for connectivity resilience. Mr. Yokoyama listed two priorities for Japan over the next five years. The former is identifying "indispensable" domains in satellite systems and space utilization, and the latter is executing "flagship projects" where Japanese and US companies can share long-term investments, risks, and returns. Ms. Levy stressed that prioritizing "working together" to leverage the expertise of international partners and industry is essential for NASA's success over the coming five years.

  

(Left) Mr. Nagayama | (Right) Mr. Yokoyama

Balancing Focus Areas with Expansion

• During the final Q&A session, an audience member asked whether multiple domains—such as lunar exploration and defense/security—could be structured as comprehensive programs rather than isolated flagship projects, while acknowledging the need for focus. In response, Ms. Levy noted that space has become an extremely complex domain, making it crucial for commercial, defense, and civil entities to remain connected while maintaining their respective priorities. Ms. Wong Hall　noted that true complementarity means avoiding redundant effort — not ceding capability but combining strengths so partners can move faster together than either could alone. 
• Another question raised was whether Japan lags the US in decision-making speed, and whether financial institutions could act as accelerators. While acknowledging this point, Mr. Yokoyama expressed confidence that Japan can gradually catch up as financial institutions strengthen support for collaboration between startups and major corporations to increase joint ventures. 

Deloitte's Space Business: Providing Cyber Detection Systems and Information Sharing Platforms

Following the panel sessions, COO Sosuke Nagayama and Ryo Katagiri, Partner at DTSS, presented Deloitte's space business: 

• Mr. Nagayama explained that Deloitte maintains dedicated space teams across nine countries worldwide, centered around three main strategic agendas: Space as a Mission (government, public policy, and large-scale systems), Space as a Business (foundational domains such as accounting, tax, legal, and HR), and Space as a Growth Opportunity (new entries by startups and major corporations). He emphasized that in Japan, DTSS leads efforts by mobilizing the full strength of Deloitte's 22,000-person network across accounting, tax, legal, and audit services to provide business support underpinning the space industry. He expressed DTSS's commitment to contributing to the development of Japan's space industry through multifaceted initiatives, including municipal support, disaster response projects, satellite data utilization, and international collaboration programs. 

• Mr. Katagiri introduced "Silent Shield," a cyber intrusion detection system for space assets developed by Deloitte. Featuring integrated software and hardware, the system has been deployed on three Deloitte satellites and is currently undergoing in-orbit demonstrations. As strengthening cybersecurity across entire space systems—including satellites and communication links as well as ground infrastructure—grows in importance, he explained that this initiative also anticipates compliance with new US national security system requirements. Furthermore, he highlighted Deloitte's participation in Space ISAC [3], supporting the establishment of a real-time information sharing platform among public, private, and international stakeholders to strengthen international cooperation, including between Japan and the US

  

(Left) Mr. Nagayama | (Right) Mr. Katagiri

Toward the Future of Japan-US Business Collaboration

The program concluded with a fireside chat on the future of Japan-US business collaboration. The discussion featured Dr. Yasuhito Fukushima, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Policy Management at Keio University, and Kevin O'Connell, Founder and CEO of Space Economy Rising. Mr. O'Connell is a former senior official at the US Department of Commerce with extensive experience visiting Japan. The discussion proceeded with Mr. O’Connell sharing his views in response to questions from Dr. Fukushima.

From an "Exploration-Centric" Era to Greater Economic Opportunity

• Dr. Fukushima: How has Japan-US space business collaboration evolved to date, and in what direction do you see this partnership developing in the future?
• Mr. O'Connell: The space sector is transitioning from an era focused purely on exploration to one offering immense economic opportunities. Japan possesses all the elements needed to become a major space power; however, among the three essential pillars—entrepreneurship, government strategy, and private capital—the full-scale involvement of private capital is only now beginning to expand. However, uncoordinated investment carries the risk of creating redundant infrastructure, so regulations must be transparent and capable of responding swiftly to market changes. Regarding export controls, both the US and Japan face challenges, but complaining gets us nowhere. What matters is for affected companies to articulate specific issues and bring them to both governments alongside proposed solutions. 
• Dr. Fukushima: Japanese startups are establishing US subsidiaries and beginning to do business with NASA and the Space Force. Japanese companies are no longer mere followers but are becoming active players in the global market. Another important trend is the expansion of cooperation between Japanese and US companies as Japan moves to strengthen its sovereign space capabilities.

Untapped Potential for Japan-US Industrial Cooperation

• Dr. Fukushima: For Japan-US space business cooperation to be sustainable, it must benefit both sides. From that perspective, in what areas should Japan seek to become an indispensable partner? What should Japan expect from the United States? And how should Japan-US business cooperation be redefined from a national security perspective?
• Mr. O'Connell: True partnership presupposes mutual benefit. Beyond supply chain resilience, satellite imagery represents another promising area for Japan-US collaboration. As the space market takes on stronger national security overtones, both nations need mechanisms to collaborate efficiently under clear rules while protecting their respective sensitive domains. 

• Dr. Fukushima: Japanese companies have the potential to supply critical components as trusted suppliers. At a time when burden sharing with allies is being discussed in the United States, strengthening Japan’s defense space capabilities serves the national interests of both countries. There are many opportunities for Japanese and US companies to work together in developing those capabilities, which would also help ensure interoperability. Japan’s Aegis destroyers, for example, are built in Japan, while their Aegis systems, radars, and interceptor missiles are American made. A similar model of cooperation could be applied to the space domain.

   

Best Practices as a Pathway to Rulemaking

• Dr. Fukushima: Another important challenge is how to maintain an environment in which space capabilities can be used in a stable manner. Are there areas in which Japan and the United States could take the lead in developing rules?

• Mr. O'Connell: Japan has a proven track record of exercising leadership by establishing its own regulations and policies ahead of time, without waiting for global consensus. The notion that "industry is indifferent to safety" is false. The private sectors of both nations have the potential to play a meaningful role in establishing best practices—such as in satellite servicing—and linking them to broader norms and international law. 

   

High Expectations for the Moon, Nuclear Power, Quantum Technology, and Missile Detection and Tracking

• Dr. Fukushima: If we were to create a signature Japan-US joint project over the next five years, what would it be? 
• Mr. O'Connell: Promising joint projects lie in three fields: the lunar economy, nuclear power, and quantum technology. Generating substantial economic value on the Moon requires power supply via nuclear energy, where Japan can play a vital role. Quantum computing is also deeply linked to space, demanding diverse forms of collaboration. 

• Dr. Fukushima: Let me add one more item. Satellite constellations to detect and track missiles, including hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs), could also become a signature project for cooperation between Japanese and US companies. Japan and the United States have already begun jointly developing the Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI), which is designed to intercept HGVs. But to intercept them effectively, you first need the capability to detect and track them from space. Japan has limited experience in this area, and if it decides to acquire such a capability, cooperation with US companies will likely be essential.

  

  (Left) Associate Professor Fukushima | (Right) Mr. O'Connell

Competing on the Same Field, Not Merely Admiring

In his closing remarks, DTSS COO Sosuke Nagayama emphasized: "While there are various perspectives on the United States, it is a fact that the US leads the space sector and possesses the largest space market." Acknowledging this reality, he expressed his ambition that Japan should not remain an admiring follower but should operate on the same playing field as the US, adding that Deloitte is committed to supporting this vision. 

Editorial notes

• Editors: Yoshinori Eki, Satoru Kohda, Kiyoshi Komatsu, Izumi Suzuki 
• This report was originally written in Japanese and then translated into English using AI; it is a preliminary translation.
• [1] NASA operates four primary mission directorates: Space Operations & Exploration, Space Science, Earth Science, and Aeronautics Research. https://www.nasa.gov/nasa-missions/ (Accessed July 13, 2026). According to Ms. Levy, NASA just reorganized the directorates into three main areas: Human Space Operations & Exploration, Earth & Space Science, and Research & Technology (includes Space and Aeronautics Research). 
• [2] GOES: Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite – A series of geostationary weather satellites operated by NOAA and NASA. 
• [3] ISAC stands for Information Sharing and Analysis Center. Official website of Japan Space ISAC: https://japan-space-isac.jp/.