The 7th Space Development and Utilization Awards (category: METI Minister’s Award) recognizes AICA, co-led by Daisuke Ode, the President of ASTRO GATE

ASTRO GATE Inc. (Headquarters: Tokyo; President: Daisuke Ode; hereinafter “the Company”) is pleased to announce that on February 3, 2026, the AICA—a general incorporated association co-led by Daisuke Ode, President of ASTRO GATE—was awarded the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) Award at the 7th Space Development and Utilization Awards, hosted by the Cabinet Office of Japan and related ministries.

Overview of the Award

The Space Development and Utilization Awards recognize outstanding initiatives that have made significant contributions to the advancement of space development and utilization.

This year, the project led by AICA, titled:

“From a Disaster-Affected Region to Space: A Public-Private Space Industry Clustering Model Originating in Fukushima,”

was highly evaluated as a pioneering model that successfully balances regional economic revitalization with the growth of the space industry.

Background

The global space industry is experiencing rapid market expansion, with a growing number of rocket and satellite companies entering the market and intensifying competition. In Japan, however, a critical bottleneck for industry growth has been the shortage of sites for large-scale demonstration and testing of space systems.

AICA, composed of local residents and space-related companies operating in the region, has actively promoted integration between the local community and the space industry through initiatives such as the Fukushima Space Conference. These efforts have generated tangible outcomes for both the space sector and the regional economy.

Key Achievements

1. Creation of Demonstration Opportunities

AICA enabled numerous large-scale demonstration activities—such as rocket launch tests and capsule drop experiments—that require strong community understanding and cooperation.

These initiatives also produced substantial economic benefits, including the formation of a supply chain involving approximately 30 local companies and the generation of 440 cumulative overnight stays, contributing meaningfully to the local economy.

2. Industrial Clustering

Since 2023, eight space startups that resonate with the region’s potential have established operations locally, alongside the creation of four new R&D facilities.

In 2025, Mitsubishi Logistics launched MLC SPACE LAB, one of Japan’s largest space-focused incubation facilities, further accelerating the inflow of talent and innovation into the region.

3. Transmission of History and Technology

Through the lens of space industry development, AICA communicates to domestic and international visitors how space initiatives in Fukushima are built upon the region’s history, including the lessons of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Additionally, AICA promotes space education for local children, including opportunities to observe rocket launches, thereby fostering the transfer of technology and aspiration to future generations.

Comment

Daisuke Ode, President of ASTRO GATE Inc. / Co-Representative Director, AICA

“This project has been realized through close collaboration with many local stakeholders who have supported and participated in space-related initiatives in this region. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of them.

Personally, I became a researcher in seismic engineering following the Great East Japan Earthquake, and later entered the space industry by applying that experience. Being able to work in this region today feels deeply meaningful to me.

The global space industry is now entering a period of dramatic growth, and I believe that those who lead space development will shape the next hundred years. Fukushima possesses a set of unique strengths that can deliver tremendous value to Japan and the world’s space industry:

Wide, open access to the Pacific Ocean

Favorable weather conditions, including sunlight and wind

A strong base of aerospace-related suppliers rooted in the region

Close overland proximity to the Tokyo metropolitan area

By fully and responsibly leveraging this region’s potential, we believe we can contribute not only to the development of Fukushima and Japan, but also to the advancement of humanity as a whole. We will continue to work closely with local communities to move these efforts forward.”