On the agenda for discussions on 15 May 2025, geopolitical issues and the new dynamics of Japanese space policy.
Researchers from the Space Chair and students of Isabelle Sourbès Verger, Director of Research at the CNRS, had the pleasure of talking to Professor Kazuto Suzuki, a recognised expert in space policy, professor at the University of Tokyo and Director of the Institute of Geoeconomics.
In his presentation, Professor Suzuki reviewed the specific nature of Japan’s space policy, which has historically been disconnected from military issues since the Second World War. He highlighted recent developments that mark a strategic turning point:
🔹 increasing integration of regional geopolitical imperatives (China, North Korea, Russia) into Japanese space policy
🔹 tripling of Japan’s space budget in ten years
🔹 opportunity for Japan and Europe to strengthen their partnership against a backdrop of American leadership being called into question
🔹 an innovative space traffic management model, illustrated by the award of a licence to the Japanese company Astroscale, which specialises in space debris clearance. Japan’s ambition is to establish itself as one of the world leaders in this field
🔹 essential role of human and social science research in shedding light on the future challenges of human activities in outer space.
