Bio
Growing up with a dream of reaching space, I started my career in the space industry at JAXA. While serving as a Range Control Officer for rocket launches, I witnessed firsthand how spent upper stages become orbital debris — sparking a deep awareness of the space debris problem. This led me to join Astroscale, where I gained hands-on engineering experience across multiple subsystems including communications, propulsion, and ground systems, before taking on the role of ELSA-d Program Manager. I led this tri-national project spanning Japan, the UK, and the US to a successful in-orbit demonstration, earning multiple industry awards. Today, I bring my experience managing complex international engineering programs to Blue Laser Fusion, where I serve as VP of Operations, working toward making laser fusion energy a reality. On weekends, you'll find me running around the Imperial Palace.
Experience
2023 — PRESENT
VP of Operations / Head of Japan Business
Blue Laser Fusion Inc.
Leading operations and cross-border R&D programs for laser fusion energy technology, with a focus on high-power laser systems. Coordinating between U.S. and Japan entities, engaging with government agencies, universities, and research institutions.
2017 — 2024
VP of Programs / ELSA-d Program Manager
Astroscale Japan Inc.
Directed Program Management, QA, Production, Procurement, and Ground Station teams. Program Manager for ELSA-d — the world's first commercial mission to demonstrate space debris docking and removal in orbit. Led a tri-national team across Japan, the US, and the UK from development through successful in-orbit demonstration.
2013 — 2016
Engineer, Space Transportation Technology Directorate
JAXA — Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
Range Control Officer for 11 rocket launches, directing 100+ operators during mission-critical tracking operations at Tanegashima and Uchinoura Space Centers. The experience of seeing spent upper stages become orbital debris after every launch was the catalyst for a career dedicated to solving the space debris problem.
Education
2013
B.Eng., Electronics and Information Engineering
The University of Osaka
Awards
Minister of State for Space Policy Award
5th Japan Space Development & Utilization Awards — Cabinet Office, Government of Japan
For "ELSA-d: On-Orbit Demonstration of Space Debris Proximity and Capture"
For "ELSA-d: On-Orbit Demonstration of Space Debris Proximity and Capture"
Satellite Technology of the Year 2021
Via Satellite — Awarded to ELSA-d at SATELLITE 2022 Conference, Washington D.C.
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