(Last update: 15 December 2025)
The Space Business Mission, organised by the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation, is centred around the ISIEX (International Space Industry Exhibition) 2026 trade fair, taking place from 28 Jan - 30 Jan 2026 at Tokyo Big Sight (East Halls 7 & 8), Tokyo, Japan.
1. Schedule
1.1. Pre-Departure Briefing (11 December 2025, 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM CET)
A Pre-Departure Briefing will be held to prepare all participants for the upcoming mission. Attendance is highly recommended for all participants.
This session, scheduled for Thursday, 11 December 2025, will cover key details regarding the mission, logistics, and expectations. The briefing will take place virtually from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM CET. The link to join the meeting will be sent via email to all selected participants.
You can access the video recording of our Pre-Departure Briefing at the following link: Space BM PDB Video.
This briefing covers three main topics (the materials used during the presentations are available via the links below):
- General preparation for our Space Business Mission and ISIEX2026 (Mr. Yann BOTREL)
- Business Etiquette in Japan (Ms. Myrthe BONGERS)
- Japan Space Market Brief (Mr. Fabrizio MURA)
1.2. The mission in Japan (January 27 to 30 2026):
|
Date |
Event |
Details |
|
26 Jan. 2026 |
Recommended arrival and check-in at your hotel in Tokyo |
To be booked by participants themselves |
|
27 Jan. 2026 (Tuesday) |
EU Space Day in Ibaraki, Japan |
The programme will include:
Locations: |
|
28 Jan. 2026 (Wednesday) |
ISIEX (Day 1) |
9:40 - 10:00 - Opening Ceremony - 10:00 - 17:00 - Location: Tokyo Big Sight, East Halls 7 & 8 (Google Maps) |
| 29 Jan. 2026 (Thursday) |
ISIEX (Day 2) |
10:00 - 17:00 - Location: Tokyo Big Sight, East Halls 7 & 8 (Google Maps) |
|
30 Jan. 2026 (Friday) |
ISIEX (Day 3) |
10:00 - 17:00 - Location: Tokyo Big Sight, East Halls 7 & 8 (Google Maps) |
2. Cost
The EU-Japan Centre covers all expenses related to the pre-event, exhibition booth fees and interpretation services.
Flight costs, accommodation, and miscellaneous expenses related to your stay, such as lunch, dinner, and local transportation, are not covered by the Centre.
3. Travel Planning
3.1. Border Entry Regulations for Japan
Japan has lifted all covid-related entry restrictions, and this means that visiting Japan without a visa is possible again*. In case you have questions concerning the border entry regulations, please contact the Embassy of Japan in your country.
*In case of visa-exempted nationalities. Please check the visa agreements of your nationality with your local Japanese Embassy.
3.2. Flight
The mission takes place in Tokyo. Participants are advised to arrive at either Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND).
Travel time from both airports to Tokyo Big Sight is similar.
Due to the long distance, taxis are not recommended from the airport; please use public transport instead.
Please note that flight times to Japan may be longer than before, due to airspace restrictions related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
3.3. Hotel
The venue for the ISIEX will be Tokyo Big Sight. For easy access to the venue, please refer here to a map of hotels in the area.
(Source: Tokyo Big Sight Inc.)
4. Pre-Event
On Tuesday, 27 January 2026, participants are invited to the “EU Space Day in Ibaraki”, organised jointly with the Ibaraki Prefectural Government.
This full-day event will include:
- Departure from Odaiba Kokusai-Tenjijo Station at 7:30 AM (bus to Tsukuba)
- Visit to JAXA (morning)
- Networking lunch with Japanese companies
- Pitching event with Ibaraki Prefecture’s space-related companies (afternoon)
5. Information for your company space in the Centre’s joint booth at the ISIEX 2026
5.1. Company space
The EU-Japan Centre has reserved a 72 sqm shared booth at the ISIEX exhibition 2026, where all participating companies will have their own space consisting of:
1) A company name board
2) A Poster in A1 size
3) A small display space to place brochures, business cards etc.
4) A simple (non-lockable) sliding-door cabinet to place personal items.
In addition, there will be a small joint space with a few tables and chairs, a water server with tea and instant coffee. Centre staff at the joint booth can take care of inquiries about your company should you be absent from the stand. Three interpreters will be in the EU-Japan Centre booth. You can request their services in case you face serious language barriers at the venue.
5.2. Company slogan / 40 character description
This slogan or short description will be listed on your company/cluster name board which is going to be placed above your poster.
5.3. Company introduction
Your company introduction may be longer, between 100-200 words. This introduction will be used to introduce you as a participant of the Business Mission to the EEN Japan network and exhibition visitors.
5.4. Poster
Your poster should highlight your company’s brand, products and services or research findings.
All posters shall be vertically oriented and printed in A1 size.
The EU-Japan Centre will cover the cost of translation from English to Japanese, up to 200 words.
Option 1 – You use professional design software (e.g. Illustrator):
- Send us the English poster image (e.g. PDF) and a text file with the English text.
- We will translate the text and return the Japanese version for insertion into your design.
- After finalising the layout, please provide us with a final PDF in A1 format for printing in Japan.
Option 2 – You use PowerPoint:
- Prepare your poster in PowerPoint (A1 size: W594 mm × H841 mm).
- You can download a template here or set the size under Design → Slide Size → Custom Slide Size.
- The Centre will insert the Japanese translation and send you a PDF for final approval before printing.
In both cases, please send editable files (Word, PowerPoint, etc.) so that translators can work directly in them.
We will always request your confirmation before printing.
5.5. Company logo data (high quality data for large prints)
High-resolution logos will be displayed on the fascia board of the EU-Japan Centre joint booth.
Disclaimer: Please note that the booth design and participants' display space are not confirmed yet and may be subject to change.
6. Practical Information
Electricity and Power Plugs
Japan uses 100 volts, with two frequencies:
- 50 Hz in Eastern Japan (Tokyo, Yokohama, Tohoku, Hokkaido)
- 60 Hz in Western Japan (Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Kyushu)
Plugs are US-type, two flat pins.
Please bring a suitable adapter.
The frequency difference only affects certain sensitive devices.
How to move around
Japan’s public transport is efficient and well connected.
You can search train routes using:
• Japan Transit Planner (Jorudan)
• Google Maps
Please note:
• Many ticket machines accept cash only.
• Credit/debit card payments for local transport are still uncommon.
