On April 26, 2025, a pivotal event named ‘Space Dialogue’ was held at the Miyazaki Science Technology Museum. Organized by the social business community Waccel, founded by Yoshihiro Shimamura and led by the executive producer Tomohiro Sumitani, this event aimed to connect the local region with the burgeoning space industry, promoting economic revitalization in Miyazaki. The dialogue featured guest speaker Toshihiro Katayama, the founding director of Space Port Japan and an executive at Space Data, alongside facilitator Mamoru Kato, a notable figure in regional development.
The event attracted approximately 20 participants, primarily local business leaders, who gathered to delve into vital discussions about leveraging the space industry for local growth. The topics ranged from basic knowledge about space to actionable strategies for enhancing the space sector in Miyazaki. The session fostered a collaborative atmosphere, encouraging participants to think creatively about establishing a thriving local space economy.
As the event unfolded, participants were treated to insights from Katayama, who shared his journey from working at Dentsu in various creative roles to engaging in space-related business development after participating in Japan's outer space diplomacy with oil-producing nations. He co-founded Space Port Japan in 2018, aiming to catalyze the country's space industry.
Kato, who has a robust background in policy and strategy from his time at prestigious institutions like Georgetown University and the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington D.C., emphasized the importance of place-based initiatives and collaborations for sustainable regional growth.
The engaging discussions continued into a networking session, where attendees shared their visions and strategies for integrating space industry initiatives into the economic fabric of Miyazaki. This vibrant dialogue set the stage for further events, with plans for a second session in the autumn of 2025 already in consideration.
Waccel is dedicated to fostering a culture of collaboration that inspires individuals to dream and realize their aspirations. With a commitment to providing platforms for learning and networking, the community has successfully hosted various events, including online lectures, project creation, and interviews with notable figures in diverse fields. The organization continues to thrive by uniting talents and resources to impact society positively.
In conclusion, the ‘Space Dialogue’ serves as a model for how communities can harness their local talents, combine them with innovative new sectors, and enable growth through strategic discussions and networking. As Miyazaki looks to the future, events like this are vital in keeping the local economy dynamic and connected to the larger universe of opportunities in the space industry.
For more information about Waccel and their upcoming events, you can visit their official website or follow their social media channels:
Waccel Website |
YouTube |
X (Formerly Twitter) |
Instagram.