From earth to orbit: Where U.S.-Japan innovation takes off
On October 27, I had the pleasure of attending, and volunteering at, the CGJ-JCCNC U.S.-Japan Dual-Use Tech Seminar - Space Sector. As part of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California (JCCNC) seminar committee, I was stationed at the welcome desk, the uketsuke, where I handed out name tags and greeted participants as they arrived. It was a fun and rewarding experience that gave me the chance to meet everyone firsthand and feel the excitement build as the room filled. The event itself was incredibly well-organized, with a full house and a vibrant atmosphere that reflected the growing momentum behind U.S.-Japan collaboration in space technology.
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The seminar was held in collaboration with the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco, and the turnout was incredible. A full room, buzzing with energy, curiosity, and a shared commitment to advancing space technology through U.S.-Japan cooperation.
From the start, the tone was set by Consul Kotaro Otsuki, who delivered a thoughtful and engaging introductory speech that highlighted the importance of bilateral collaboration in emerging tech sectors.
Everything ran smoothly, from logistics to panel transitions, and the atmosphere was both professional and warm. The networking part was lively and productive, with attendees from government, industry, and academia exchanging ideas and forging new connections. And yes, the food and sake were outstanding, a perfect blend of hospitality and celebration.
For me, the highlight was hearing from Sho Nakanose, founder of Gitai USA Inc, whose vision for robotics in space is nothing short of inspiring. His presentation was bold, forward-thinking, and deeply rooted in real-world innovation. Equally impactful was Janna J Lewis of Astroscale, whose presence on the panel brought a refreshing and powerful perspective. It was wonderful to see a woman leading in this space, her insights on orbital sustainability and international cooperation were both timely and thought-provoking.
As someone who’s long been passionate about space and international collaboration, this seminar reignited that spark. It reminded me that space is not just about technology, it’s about people, partnerships, and the shared drive to explore and protect what lies beyond our planet. I left with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement for what’s ahead in the U.S.-Japan space dialogue.
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