ESA Expands Footprint in Tokyo to Elevate EU-Japan Space Collaboration
In a landmark move that cements long-standing ties between Europe and Japan, the European Space Agency (ESA) announced the establishment of a permanent presence in Tokyo. The decision, revealed during Nihonbashi Space Week, underscores a shared commitment to advancing space science, technology, and commercial innovation. Speaking to a captive audience of space professionals, ESA Director of Strategy, Legal and External Matters, Eric Morel de Westgaver, highlighted a history that stretches back more than five decades, tracing back to cooperation with the European Space Research Organisation — a precursor to ESA.
“This is a treasured cooperation, older than ESA itself, dating back to Japan’s cooperation with the European Space Research Organisation,” Morel de Westgaver said, noting that ESA and JAXA are already collaborating on ambitious missions such as EarthCARE in low Earth orbit, BepiColombo en route to Mercury, and Hera tracking the Dimorphos asteroid system. The presence in Tokyo is framed as a natural evolution of a partnership that has grown in depth and breadth over the years, encompassing Earth observation, planetary defence, and space science.
The keynote also spotlighted joint ambitions for future missions, including Europe’s Ramses and Japan’s Destiny+—together advancing planetary defence and deep space research. These plans reflect a broader strategy to synchronize the two space programs, pooling expertise and resources to tackle common challenges and to accelerate scientific discovery.
Strategic Imperatives Behind the Tokyo Presence
Josef Aschbacher, ESA Director General, outlined the strategic rationale for an on-the-ground ESA presence in Japan. He framed the Tokyo office as a tangible signal of intent to elevate cooperation across all domains – from Earth observation and climate monitoring to human and robotic exploration, science, and commercialisation. The location will serve as a hub for closer dialogue with JAXA, as well as Europe’s expanding network of partners in Japan’s dynamic space industry.
“Our relationship with Japan is built on decades of trust and scientific excellence. The establishment of an ESA presence in Japan signals our clear intention to elevate our cooperation with Japan across all domains of space,” Aschbacher stated. The presence will also facilitate collaboration with Japan’s open-innovation ecosystem, including startups, universities, and government bodies, to drive joint ventures and new business models in space.
JAXA’s Perspective and Collaborative Outlook
Hiroshi Yamakawa, JAXA President, welcomed the development as a natural progression of continuing collaboration. He cited a joint statement signed in November 2024 on Next Big Cooperations, describing a mutual path toward closer communication and strengthened ties. “We are confident that ESA’s presence in Japan will enable closer communication, deepen the relationship between our two agencies, and contribute to addressing global challenges and advancing space science and technology,” Yamakawa said.
The decision to base ESA operations in Tokyo follows a successful delegation visit to Nihonbashi Space Week in November 2024, led by Aschbacher. The trip culminated in the Joint Statement on Next Big Cooperations, which sets out ambitious joint mission areas across planetary defence, Earth observation, low Earth orbit activities, exploration, and space science. The Tokyo outpost will operate from the X-NIHONBASHI Tower, a site managed by Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd. and Cross U, both central to Japan’s open-innovation landscape. The building already serves as a nexus for the space business community, uniting startups, academia, government, and industry under a single roof.
What This Means for Europe, Japan, and Global Space Cooperation
With a permanent presence in Japan, ESA will be better positioned to coordinate joint programs on-site in Tokyo, streamline inter-agency decision-making, and act as a bridge between European and Japanese stakeholders in both government and commercial sectors. The Tokyo office complements ESA’s Washington D.C. presence, creating a bilateral footprint that enhances strategic engagement, project management, and technology transfer between Europe and Japan.
Japan’s space sector continues to demonstrate leadership and innovative capacity, making it a natural ally for ESA as both sides navigate shared challenges such as sustainable use of space, climate monitoring, and the growth of a competitive space economy. The ESA-Japan partnership stands as a cornerstone of global space cooperation, illustrating how long-term trust, complementary capabilities, and joint ambitions can accelerate progress well beyond national boundaries.
Looking Ahead
As ESA embeds itself more deeply in Tokyo, stakeholders anticipate accelerated joint missions, more robust data-sharing for Earth observation, and expanded collaboration in planetary defence and space science. The partnership aims to unlock new opportunities for European and Japanese researchers, industry players, and policymakers to co-create the next era of space exploration and strategic resilience.
