Long Beach-Japan: A Space, Aerospace, and Advanced Technology Event
2026/9/23
On August 12, the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles hosted the Long Beach-Japan: A Space, Aerospace, and Advanced Technology Event in Space Beach in collaboration with the City of Long Beach and Invest Long Beach.
The event brought together approximately 140 representatives from Japanese and U.S. companies, organizations, and public institutions to the Long Beach area with the aim of advancing California-Japan collaboration in space, aerospace, and advanced technology.
The event began with a site visit to Vast Space, which is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure. Participants then joined a business seminar, which began with an overview of how Long Beach – which is earning recognition as “Space Beach” – is emerging as a hub for a global aerospace innovation. Two Japanese companies, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America and Mitsubishi Electric US, then gave presentations about their cutting-edge technologies and shared about their future vision and commitment to collaboration.
This was followed by a panel discussion featuring 4 Japanese companies and Long Beach companies (JetZero, Nikon Advanced Manufacturing, Relativity Space, and Vast Space) who gave insight into the aerospace ecosystem in Long Beach, discussed areas for further bilateral cooperation between the U.S. and Japan, and more.
Following the seminar, a networking reception began with remarks by Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson and Consul General Kosei Murota. Attendees exchanged views and explored partnership opportunities, further strengthening mutual understanding and connections between the U.S. and Japan in aerospace and related industries.
The event brought together approximately 140 representatives from Japanese and U.S. companies, organizations, and public institutions to the Long Beach area with the aim of advancing California-Japan collaboration in space, aerospace, and advanced technology.
The event began with a site visit to Vast Space, which is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure. Participants then joined a business seminar, which began with an overview of how Long Beach – which is earning recognition as “Space Beach” – is emerging as a hub for a global aerospace innovation. Two Japanese companies, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America and Mitsubishi Electric US, then gave presentations about their cutting-edge technologies and shared about their future vision and commitment to collaboration.
This was followed by a panel discussion featuring 4 Japanese companies and Long Beach companies (JetZero, Nikon Advanced Manufacturing, Relativity Space, and Vast Space) who gave insight into the aerospace ecosystem in Long Beach, discussed areas for further bilateral cooperation between the U.S. and Japan, and more.
Following the seminar, a networking reception began with remarks by Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson and Consul General Kosei Murota. Attendees exchanged views and explored partnership opportunities, further strengthening mutual understanding and connections between the U.S. and Japan in aerospace and related industries.
 |
 |
| Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson and Consul General Kosei Murota |
Group photo with Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, Consul General Kosei Murota, and speakers at the seminar |
 |
 |
| Vast Space Site Visit | Panel Discussion |
 |
|
| Business Seminar |