Takaichi, Macron Visit Space Startup in Tokyo; Japan, French Leaders Agree on Importance of Removing Space Debris

The Yomiuri Shimbun

16:54 JST, April 2, 2026

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday visited space industry startup Astroscale Holdings Inc. with French President Emmanuel Macron, who is visiting Japan.

The Tokyo-based firm is engaged in capturing and removing space debris using a robotic arm on a satellite.

After being briefed on Astroscale’s technology, the two leaders toured a plant that is manufacturing a satellite scheduled to be launched next year.

“This is world-leading technology that Japan can be proud of,” Takaichi said to reporters. “The government wants to send a message of support.”

Space is one of the fields in which Japan and France place great emphasis on cooperation. During summit talks on Wednesday, Takaichi and Macron shared the view that reducing space debris is key to enhancing the sustainability of space activities.