The third SPEXA space business exhibition opened this week at Tokyo Big Sight, featuring the latest aerospace technologies and interactive content [1], [2].

The event highlights a shift in the Japanese space economy as companies from unrelated industries enter the sector to support lunar habitation and infrastructure. This diversification reflects a growing belief that space exploration is moving from a government-led endeavor to a commercial market involving food, clothing, and shelter.

Organized by RX Japan, the exhibition runs from May 27 to May 29, 2026 [1], [2]. The number of exhibiting companies and organizations varies by report, ranging from approximately 250 to 320 [1], [2], [3].

Industry interest has accelerated following the successful launch of Artemis II and an increase in global focus on lunar living [4]. This trend has linked space industry development with terrestrial needs in disaster prevention, telecommunications, and general infrastructure [4].

Sakurako Yoshida, the sales supervisor for RX Japan, said that as the era of humans living on the moon approaches, the need for basic necessities like food, clothing, and housing will create more opportunities for new industries to enter the field [1].

The scale of the domestic space industry in Japan is now approximately 4 trillion yen [1]. To illustrate this growth, the exhibition features a wide array of displays, including a full-scale model of the Hayabusa2 spacecraft and specialized space suits utilizing traditional Nishijin-ori weaving [1].

“the need for basic necessities like food, clothing, and housing will create more opportunities for new industries to enter the field”

The transition of the Japanese space sector toward a 4 trillion yen market signifies a move toward 'New Space,' where commercial viability replaces purely scientific exploration. By integrating non-aerospace sectors—such as textiles and infrastructure—Japan is positioning its broader industrial base to support long-term lunar habitation, reducing reliance on a few specialized contractors and fostering a more resilient commercial ecosystem.