October 9, 2025 – Tokyo, Japan
ASTRO GATE Inc. (Headquarters: Tokyo; President: Daisuke Ode; hereinafter “ASTRO GATE”) is proud to announce that the “Fukushima Space Conference” — Tohoku’s largest space event, in which ASTRO GATE serves as an executive committee member — and related space development initiatives in Fukushima have been honored at the “THE GOLD STANDARD AWARDS 2025”, receiving the Public/Private Partnership Award.
About “THE GOLD STANDARD AWARDS 2025”
The Gold Standard Awards, organized by Public Affairs Asia and the Public Relations and Communications Association Asia Pacific (PRCA APAC), celebrate innovation and impact in public affairs, corporate communications, and stakeholder engagement across the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions.
This year’s award recognized exceptional achievements in categories such as stakeholder engagement, crisis management, media relations, and CSR. The Fukushima Space Conference and Fukushima’s industrial cluster initiative were shortlisted in the Public/Private Partnership category and went on to win the award.
Official Award Details:
About the Awarded Project
The winning project centers on a public–private initiative that transformed the tsunami-affected coastal area of Fukushima into Japan’s new hub for the space industry.
One of Japan’s pressing challenges in space development has been the shortage of test and demonstration facilities. However, through a “reverse innovation” approach, the team identified disaster-risk zones from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake as ideal sites for rocket launches and related infrastructure.
At the heart of this transformation lies the Fukushima Space Conference, a public–private collaboration platform designed to foster dialogue and trust among stakeholders — from startups and municipalities to central government agencies and local communities.
Through this platform, the project achieved remarkable progress in just 11 months:
- Successful rocket test launches
- Attraction of 10 space-related startups
- Construction of new aerospace manufacturing facilities
The initiative also generated positive economic impact — for example, over 440 hotel stays during launch events — and was recognized at the national level, being integrated into Japan’s space-related policies. The award acknowledges this success in revitalizing a disaster-affected area into a vital engine of Japan’s space economy.
Executive Committee
The project was led by the Fukushima Space Industry Collaboration Organization (FSICO), comprising:
ASTRO GATE Inc., AstroX Inc., ElevationSpace Inc., Odaka Workers Base Inc., Qumt LLC, Cozy Labo Inc., Samurai PLANNING, Spurcle Inc., Pionism Association, Baso Research Institute Inc., and Makaira Inc.
Formed as a general incorporated association in April 2025, FSICO continues to promote rocket launch demonstrations, education initiatives, and public engagement programs to support sustainable regional growth through space industry development.
About the Fukushima Space Industry Collaboration Organization
Established: April 22, 2025
Address: 1-87 Honcho, Odaka-ku, Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture
Co-Representatives: Daisuke Ode / Kensuke Tadano
The organization operates with a dual focus:
- Attracting investment to establish Fukushima as a hub for R&D and space demonstration.
- Promoting harmony with local communities, including residents affected by past disasters.
Its initiatives include:
- Advocacy and Policy Engagement (conference organization, stakeholder coordination)
- Education and Workforce Development (lectures, school programs, launch viewing experiences)
- Community Exchange (local outreach, event facilitation)
