In Tokyo, Cross U, Space Florida, SelectFlorida and FloridaCommerce Issue Joint Statement

~ The statement recognizes the importance of further connecting the space ecosystems of Florida and Japan ~

TOKYO, Japan-On October 28th, 2025, a Japan-U.S. (Florida) Space Industry Roundtable was held in Tokyo (Nihonbashi) as part of the "Nihonbashi Space Week 2025" special session. At this roundtable, Cross U, Space Florida, SelectFlorida and FloridaCommerce discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the space industry. In April 2025, Cross U and Space Florida signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate and enhance innovation and facilitate the growth of Florida's international aerospace ecosystem.

The meeting was attended by representatives from government, industry, and academia, providing an opportunity to deepen mutual understanding and to explore specific areas for collaboration. This Joint Statement aims to contribute to concrete initiatives in the space sector, which has been identified as a priority area in the Memorandum of Cooperation on Economic and Trade Relations between the Government of Japan and the State of Florida of the United States concluded in 2023.

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.

Under the framework of this MOC, the Parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their partnership in the aerospace sector. Building on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between cross U and Space Florida in April 2025, they expressed confidence that their joint efforts to advance innovation, investment, and people to people exchange will contribute to the growth of the space industries in both regions.

This Joint Statement aims to further deepen cooperation in the space sector-a key area identified under the Japan-Florida MOC (October 2023)-and to strengthen collaboration and sustainable development between the two regions.

Through this roundtable, the Parties identified the following priority areas for collaboration:

Spaceport Cooperation - Leveraging Florida's world-class spaceport infrastructure and Japan' s expanding launch capabilities, the Parties will explore opportunities for Japanese institutions and companies to utilize Florida's spaceports, as well as opportunities for Florida's stakeholders to engage with Japan' s space infrastructure. This includes sharing best practices in spaceport operations and facilitating access to launch sites for mutual benefit.

1. Startup and Industry Partnerships - The Parties will encourage closer ties between space-related companies and startups in Florida and Japan. Through business development, joint projects, and reciprocal delegation visits, they will create pathways for Japanese companies to establish a presence in Florida and for Florida companies to expand into Japan, thereby accelerating innovation and market expansion in both regions.
2. Investment and Funding - To promote mutual investment in the space sector, the Parties will share information on their respective funding programs (including Space Florida's financing tools and relevant Japanese initiatives) and will explore co-financing opportunities. By linking investor and venture capital communities in Florida and Japan, they aim to increase the flow of capital into promising space ventures.
3. Research and Education Exchange - Acknowledging the importance of academic and educational exchange, the Parties will support collaboration between universities and research institutions in Florida and Japan. Through joint research projects, student and researcher exchange programs, and aerospace workforce development initiatives, they will seek to collaborate in the areas of research and human resource development.
   

The Parties expressed their intent to hold regular dialogues at least once a year to review progress in these areas and to further strengthen their partnership. 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.