The Harvard Club of Japan Presents  A Talk by Dr. Naoko Sugita of JAXA

 

Japan’s Space Activities at the Forefront:

70 Years of Endeavor and Beyond

 

 

Key words for our times - Space ecosystems, Earth observation, international cooperation in space, space business...

 

Why and how does a country embark on space programs?

Is the recent surge of space business real?

 

The necessity for large resource commitments, and the challenge of being accountable to taxpayers and investors under technical uncertainty, is what both public and private space players face. This talk covers both current issues, from climate change to lunar exploration and space business, as well as historical analyses of the evolution of Japanese space activities. Note: Dr. Sugita's remarks will be in English.

 

------------------------

Bio

Dr. Naoko Sugita

Earth Observation Program Strategy Office and Earth Observation Research Center, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

 

Dr. Sugita has more than 25 years of experience in the space sector. She has held numerous roles and led several projects in fostering innovation with the private sector, international cooperation and strategic research for the executives. Among the projects initiated includes collaboration with a startup and local government, which was covered by HBS case study and later won the Prime Minister's award of the Japan Open Innovation Prize.

 

Currently, she is promoting public-private-academia partnerships in Earth Observation through the Consortium for Satellite Earth Observation (CONSEO). By leading the secretariat of CONSEO, her team is serving more than 340 member companies and specialists. Dr. Sugita also serves as the Japan lead for Earth Observing Dashboard in cooperation with NASA and the European Space Agency, to make information from satellites available to decision-makers and the public.

 

Her work spans topics such as space ecosystem, climate change, and politics and space. Dr. Sugita is a regular speaker on these themes for industry and policy audiences.

 

Dr. Sugita obtained her Ph.D. from the National Graduate Institute of Policy Studies for research of the evolution of Japanese space policy and holds master’s degree in public administration from Harvard Kennedy School.

 

Please register for the event using the reservation function below. 
FOR VENUE SECURITY REASONS, PLEASE MAKE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR COMPANY OR OTHER AFFILIATION IN THE "ORGANIZATION" FIELD.

Due to competition and KYC issues related to the venue,

those working at major consulting firms are kindly asked to recuse themselves 

from attending this event.

If you have any questions about whether this applies to you, please contact  

HCJ Events Co-Director Jonathan Harlow at: jonathan@jonathanharlow.com

 

Please note that the system DOES NOT SEND A CONFIRMATION EMAIL.

 

***Note that cancellations after noon on Tuesday, July 21 and no-shows will be charged the full participation fee, as we are committing to the venue on a per-person basis. By registering for this event, you are agreeing to comply with this policy. Your understanding of and compliance with this policy are greatly appreciated!

---

 

Date: Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Time: Doors open: 18:45 / Talk start: 19:00 / Reception 20:00 – 21:00

Venue: Deloitte Tohmatsu Innovation Park Room D Auditorium

Address:  Room D Auditorium, Shin Tokyo Building 8th Floor

                 3-3-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

AFTER ARRIVING AT THE 8TH FLOOR, PLEASE PROCEED DIRECTLY TO THE ROOM D AUDITORIUM.

CLICK HERE FOR A MAP TO THE VENUE AND A FLOORPLAN TO THE ROOM D AUDITORIUM.

 

Participation fee: 7,000 JPY per person, to be paid IN CASH at the door

(Covers event participation and standing buffet, with separate cash bar. Admission to the venue will be permitted only after the participation fee has been paid.)

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE EVENT RECEPTION AND BAR WILL ONLY ACCEPT CASH:

CREDIT CARDS AND E-PAYMENTS ARE NOT ACCEPTED

Deloitte Tohmatsu Innovation Park is a members-only club made available to us

by special arrangement with a member.

Please do not contact Deloitte Tohmatsu Innovation Park or engage with

their staff directly for any reason.

Pre-event enquiries should be directed to Events Committee member Yukari Fujita at the email below, or to the HCJ staff present at the event. 

Dress code: Business casual - Collared shirts, no shorts or sandals.

Child policy: Admission open only to guests aged 20 and older.

Guests: Guests are welcome - please register in their name, and indicate "Friend of (your name)" in the "Title" field in the reservation. Please include YOUR email address so we can contact you as necessary regarding guests registered on your behalf. We appreciate your understanding that you will be responsible for your guests' compliance with the cancellation policy and the other terms and conditions of this event.

Enquiries: For any problems registering or other enquires please e-mail HCJ Secretary & Events Commitee Member Yukari Fujita at: yukari_fujita@alumni.harvard.edu 

   

​

​