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On December 11, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the 18th meeting of the Strategic Headquarters for National Space Policy at the Prime Minister’s Office.
 
At the meeting, a discussion was held on the Implementation Plan of the Basic Plan on Space Policy (revised FY2018).
 
Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,
 
“On November 1, the world’s first centimeter-level service using the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System ‘Michibiki’ was launched and businesses or services utilizing space are now transitioning to a new era. Even in sectors that have been unrelated to space so far, such as agriculture and logistics, there is a possibility that innovative businesses will emerge. I would like to ask for proactive support with novel ideas for space-related start-ups, such as discovering concepts and verification tests.
 
Even in the field of security, we have entered an era in which each country is competing fiercely with one another over the use of space. As Japan is also advancing the review of the National Defense Program Guidelines, I would like to ask for the further enhancement of our security under the leadership of the Ministry of Defense, and in cooperation with other relevant ministries and agencies, in particular, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
 
We are also seeing an emerging global trend in the field of international space exploration, for example of the moon and Mars, which are the next frontiers for mankind. With regard to Japan’s participation in the manned Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway, an initiative conceived by the United States, please coordinate with the relevant countries so that Japan can contribute actively to the initiative in our areas of strength.
 
I would like all the relevant ministers, led by Minister Hirai, to closely work together on the steady implementation of the recently revised Basic Plan on Space Policy and its Implementation Plan.”