On October 28, 2025, representatives from Cross U, Space Florida, SelectFlorida, and the Florida Department of Commerce (FloridaCommerce) convened in Tokyo for a Japan-U.S. (Florida) Space Industry Roundtable. The meeting was part of Nihonbashi Space Week 2025 and brought together participants from government, industry, and academia to discuss enhanced cooperation between the space sectors of Florida and Japan.
A joint statement released after the event emphasized ongoing efforts to connect the space ecosystems of both regions. This collaboration builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in April 2025 between Cross U and Space Florida aimed at fostering innovation and supporting growth in Florida’s international aerospace sector. The initiative is also linked to a broader Memorandum of Cooperation on Economic and Trade Relations signed by the Government of Japan and the State of Florida in October 2023.
According to the joint statement: “Amid the rapid growth of the global space economy, the Parties recognized the importance of further connecting the space ecosystems of Florida and Japan and promoting international collaboration, building upon the Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) between the Government of Japan and the State of Florida of the United States signed in October 2023.”
The organizations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening partnerships within aerospace. They expressed confidence that continued joint efforts would support innovation, investment, and exchanges between professionals from both regions. The parties identified several priority areas for collaboration:
– **Spaceport Cooperation:** Japanese institutions may use Florida’s established spaceport infrastructure while stakeholders from Florida can engage with Japanese launch sites. Both sides will share best practices related to operations.
– **Startup and Industry Partnerships:** The groups aim to foster ties among companies and startups through business development projects, delegation visits, and market expansion initiatives.
– **Investment and Funding:** By sharing information about funding programs such as those offered by Space Florida alongside Japanese initiatives, both parties seek increased capital flow into new ventures.
– **Research and Education Exchange:** Collaboration will be encouraged among universities through research projects, exchange programs for students or researchers, and workforce development.
The parties plan regular annual meetings to assess progress across these areas. The statement concluded: “This Joint Statement reflects a shared vision that cooperation between Florida and Japan in the space sector will contribute to the growth of the broader international space economy.”
