The EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation organised a dedicated Space Business Mission to Japan on 27-30 January 2026, bringing together 9 European SMEs and clusters active in the space sector. The mission combined high-level institutional engagement, targeted regional cooperation, and participation in a major international exhibition, offering European companies a comprehensive platform to explore business and partnership opportunities in Japan’s dynamic space ecosystem.
The mission opened on 27 January with the “EU Space Day in Ibaraki”, beginning with an in-depth visit to the Tsukuba Space Center of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The delegation, accompanied by EU Ambassador Jean-Eric Paquet, was welcomed by JAXA Vice-President Mr. Toshiaki Sato and senior representatives of JAXA’s International Relations and Research Department.
The morning programme included introductory remarks by the Ambassador, a presentation of JAXA’s overall activities, and an overview of its industry-related initiatives, followed by a Q&A session and exchanges with participants. This was complemented by a guided site tour of key facilities at the Tsukuba Space Center, including the Astronaut Training Facility and the Kibo Mission Control Room. The visit offered participants first-hand insight into Japan’s space operations, international cooperation framework, and industrial ecosystem.
Following the JAXA visit, the delegation travelled to Tsukuba Center for a networking lunch and pitching session organised in cooperation with Ibaraki Prefecture Government. The afternoon programme featured presentations from the EU-Japan Centre and Ibaraki Prefecture, followed by two pitching rounds bringing together European and Japanese space-related companies. The structured exchanges, combined with networking opportunities, enabled direct discussions on potential business cooperation, technology partnerships, and future joint projects.
From 28 to 30 January, the delegation exhibited at ISIEX 2026 at Tokyo Big Sight. The joint EU-Japan Centre booth provided each participant with a dedicated display space, ensuring visibility among Japanese industry representatives, research organisations, and public authorities. On 29 January, a conference session further showcased European space capabilities and cooperation opportunities.
The Space Business Mission generated significant interest from Japanese stakeholders, particularly in view of Japan’s expanding commercial space activities and growing international partnerships. Participants reported promising contacts and follow-up discussions that may lead to concrete business cooperation.
Through this initiative, the EU-Japan Centre reinforced its role as a facilitator of industrial collaboration in strategic and high-tech sectors, contributing to a stronger and more structured EU–Japan partnership in space.
More about the Business Mission here.
Above: EU Ambassador in Japan Jean-Eric Paquet with JAXA Vice-President Mr. Toshiaki Sato
Published: March 2026