Axiom Space to Establish Japan Subsidiary to Serve Growing Asia-Pacific Demand

Axiom Space announced during a press conference in Tokyo, May 14, that it is establishing Axiom Space Japan — a wholly owned subsidiary that will deepen its operational presence in the region and expand the business and strategic opportunities the company can pursue in the region. The office will become operational July 1.

“For the Asia-Pacific region, an Axiom Space presence in Japan means a long-term, direct path to low-Earth orbit for research, for industry, for astronauts, and a partner committed to building that future together with Japan,” said Dr. Jonathan Cirtain, Axiom Space CEO and President.

Japan is an indispensable partner in human space exploration and a global leader in the emerging space economy. This subsidiary builds on decades of U.S.–Japan cooperation in space and reflects Axiom Space’s commitment to carry that partnership forward, enabling research opportunities and direct access to low-Earth orbit for institutions, businesses, and government across the Asia-Pacific region.

Dr. Koichi Wakata will serve as the Chief Technology Officer, Asia Pacific, and lead Axiom Space Japan. Under his direction, Axiom Space Japan will engage Japanese government agencies, research institutions, and industrial partners to expand hardware development and manufacturing, microgravity research, and orbital compute.

The company continues to foster strong relationships in the region. This week the Axiom Space team conducted meetings with organizations including the U.S. Embassy, the Ministry of Defense, the National Space Policy Secretariat at the Cabinet Office, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Mitsui, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Electric, and Japan LEO Shachu.

Japan intends to remain a leading nation in human space exploration post-ISS, and Japanese industry and academia are ready to play a central role in the commercial era. Axiom Space Japan is how the company will meet that ambition with a long-term, on-the-ground presence.