Team

After joining Mitsubishi Corporation in 2005, he worked for about 7 years in supply chain reform through OEM production transactions for global brands. In 2011 he was seconded to Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd., where he contributed to growth in the apparel business, and in 2014 he was sent to London where he became the Deputy Managing Director of MUJI Europe Holdings. He led various management reforms and achieved a turnaround in the European business. After returning to Japan in 2017, he worked in the payment platform business before being seconded to Hey Co., Ltd., providers of a digital platform for small teams, in 2020 following an investment and serving as Executive Officer and Head of the Business Development division.

In Sept 2017, Masatoshi co-founded Space BD Inc. where he assumed the position of Co-Founder & CEO. As a seasoned expert in business development, he embarks on his new challenge in the space industry.
Previously he founded Nagasaki & Co. in 2014 where he mainly engaged in business development in the field of education. Notable projects include AOKI Global Entrepreneurship Project, and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Entrepreneur Education Promotion Project. He is also an invited researcher at Waseda University Transnational HRM Research Institute, and a research fellow for Yokohama National University Growth Strategy Research Center.
Prior, he served at Mitsui & Co., Ltd., one of the biggest conglomerate in Japan, and spent 11 years working in steel making and mineral resources (iron ore) industries, covered trading and business development positions including joint venture development in Brazil and Australia for 4 years in total.
He graduated from Waseda University with a bachelor’s degree in education.

Kenichi graduated from Hitotsubashi University in 2003 and joined Sony Corporation.
He led sales & marketing and market development, corporate planning, and organizational transformation in the Japan market and Indian and German entities. Afterwards, he worked on mid-term business planning and new business plan execution for business departments.

Kenji Yasuno joined Mitsubishi Corporation in 1980. He worked in the Aerospace Division, where he was engaged in the very first project in the first aircraft leasing business for the company. He lived for seven years in New York in the United States, and after his return to Japan he was appointed to the member of Corporate Planning Department, where he was involved in formulating overall company management initiatives and approach, etc. In 2001 he newly established the Airline Business Unit, combining aircraft leasing and civil aviation related agency business, as the Unit Manager. In 2008 he was appointed to the first president in charge of launching the aircraft leasing business company MC Aviation Partners Inc. In 2010 he was dispatched to Singapore as the branch head, and was promoted to Senior Vice President of Mitsubishi Corporation in 2011. In 2014 he returned to Japan, where he was appointed to the head of the Ship & Aerospace Division. In this role he contributed to the expansion of the company’s aerospace business until 2017.

In 2017 he was appointed managing executive officer at Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance Co., Ltd. (now Mitsubishi HC Capital Inc.), and he went on to be senior managing executive officer and advisor. In April 2023 he was appointed Executive Vice President for Space BD Inc.

IncubateFund General Partner
Worked for 8 and a half years in the investment department at JAFCO Co., Ltd., involved in investment development tasks in the front line. Started their own venture capital business in 1999. Since then he launched and managed 13 venture capital funds with a total of 40 billion yen. Consistently specialized in the initiation period, while also carrying out investment development.
Since July 2019, he is the Chairman of the Japan Venture Capital Association.

During his over 25 years working for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, he participated in design, development and operation of series of launch vehicles. After taking charge of design and development of the Japanese space shuttle HOPEX and ISS Kibo, he was dedicated to promoting the H2A rocket launch service in overseas market. From 2021, he has started to work at the Tokyo University of Science to train the next generation of space engineers and conduct research on space transportation systems. Member of the Board of Directors at the Japan Space Liner Association. A fellow at the Japan Society for Aeronautical and Space Sciences.

Sayaka engaged in accounting audit and advisory services, etc. at Aarata Audit Corporation (now PricewaterhouseCoopers Aarata LLC) from 2006, and subsequently handled the development and operation of internal controls and compliance in the administrative department of a foreign telecom company’s Japanese entity. After that she engaged in forensic services, among others, at PwC Advisory LLC.
Sayaka is a Certified Public Accountant.

Kendo graduated from Hokkaido University Law School in 1995, and joined Nippon Long-Term Credit Bank (now Shinsei Bank).
In 2000, he joined the subsidiary company of Intelligence (now Persol) as a director, after which he became the managing director in 2002. In 2006, he established Executive Board Co., Ltd., and Juristic Co., Ltd., where he currently serves as the representative director.
Kendo has been providing organisational and business support from the time of Nagasaki & Co., the predecessor of Space BD.

Joined Mitsubishi Corporation, Energy Business Group in 1980 where he was engaged in retail business of petroleum products, including wholesale to gas stations in Japan, then in global marketing of carbon materials with over 70 countries.
He was then assigned, in 1994, to Mitsubishi International Corporation, New York, for almost 6 years, and during this term, he was involved in the antitrust trial, U.S. vs. Ucar International, to negotiate with the Department of Justice, and took the stand in the grand-jury and the federal court in Philadelphia to defend Mitsubishi Corporation.
Back to Tokyo in 2000, he supervised variety of investment businesses in Japan and overseas, including the U.S., Mainland-China, and South Korea, then appointed as Chief HR Officer of the Group, and further assigned to a member of the Advisory board of Investment & Credit Committee of the Company to actively participate in decision-making process of every investment business and project of the Company.
In 2012, he was named as Executive Officer in charge of E&P business of worldwide petroleum and natural gas, then in 2015, he took office as president of Chubu office, covering central regions of Japan, to promote various projects of MRJ (Mitsubishi Regional Jet) and many others.
And in 2017, he was assigned to standing Advisor to the Energy Business Group.
In October, 2018 to date, he has served CEO of Dainichi Concrete Company, cum Group COO of Dainichi group of companies.

Tetsuya joined Space BD as a senior engineer.
He had engaged in developing the ISS Kibo external experiment platform at IHI Corporation from the early stage. Later, he had worked at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to develop the IVA-Replaceable Small Exposed Experiment Platform (i-SEEP) and other experiment equipment.

Graduated from the University of Washington in 2016 majored in Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering. During her undergraduate study, Mia was engaged in designing and analyzing shock absorption mechanisms of Origami-based metamaterials.
After graduation, Mia started her career at National Instruments Corporation as an engineer, then took her role as an account manager for a major automotive OEM, electrical equipment manufacturer, and research institute providing from the development strategy centering on test automation to engineering support for the operation phase. Mia has participated in Space BD and is engaging in expanding overseas business opportunities and collaborative opportunities with companies around the world.

Joined AGC Inc. in 2012, and worked on the development of glass material at the firm’s main research center. In 2016 Shuji proposed the establishment of a new business category in the life science field, and gained experience in R&D, production, and sales. He was appointed as leader of the business development team and took charge of project management.
He works on developing business themed on ‘space x life science’ in Space BD.

After graduating from Hosei University in 2016, Ryo joined Deloitte Tohmatsu Consulting LLC where he was in charge of formulating strategies (new business development, mid-to-long-term management strategies, etc.) and overseeing operations (operational reform, cost reduction, new company establishment, etc.) of a wide range of projects, gaining extensive experience in the import/export, consumer goods, electric machinery, and food industries.
His goal is to develop Space BD as Japan’s first global leader in space business and to help people gain a closer relationship with space.

Hirokazu started his career at Japan Airline Co., Ltd. where he was involved with the management and procurement of aircraft parts. He then joined Amil Co. Ltd., and was subcontracted to JAXA Tsukuba Space Center and worked on projects related to the International Space Station. He was responsible for cargo integration of refueling equipment, and international coordination related to operational resources for on-orbit experiments. After working at Axelspace Corporation, Hirokazu joined Space BD as an engineer. Hirokazu engages in multiple satellite integration operations in the SmallSatellite deployment service from the ISS, as well as the rideshare launch service with the H-IIA and H3 launch vehicle for the SmallSatellites.

Completed a master’s course in Applied Science at Waseda University.
Worked for IHI Aerospace developing the space station system and the on-board experimental device. A certified first-class radiation protection supervisor, Akihiro was in charge of the CALorimetric Electron Telescope (CALET), a device to perform high precision observations of electrons and gamma rays.

Tetsuro graduated from Kyoto University with a Master’s Degree in the School of Engineering, Department of Civil and Earth Resources Engineering , and a Bachelor’s in the School of Global Engineering.
Before joining the company, Tetsuro joined Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation, where he engaged in user integration for controllers and experimental equipment installed on the ISS.
Cooperation with JAXA / United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs from the experience of technical support for selected countries from the first time of KiboCUBE, he decided to contribute to the wider space development of the international community and joined Space BD. Hobbies are diving, climbing and watching movies.

Shinichiro graduated from the Faculty of Education at Kyoto University. He worked for two years in Osaka Prefecture as a junior high school teacher, and then he served as an attendant at the Japan Pavilion at the Milan Expo 2015. Upon his return to Japan he worked in the IT monozukuri department at LITALICO Inc. developing content and operating classrooms for children. After this Shinichi worked on developing workshops that used Lego® blocks at the amusement park LEGOLAND Japan. He also facilitated classes at elementary schools and universities.

Graduated from Aoyama Gakuin University in 2011, and joined Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. After working in domestic sales for the UNIQLO brand, Kyohei was assigned to product planning for international markets. With the mission of maximizing sales and profits in UNIQLO's overseas markets, Kyohei collaborated with various business partners to implement and support the product planning PDCA.
Kyohei is a member of the Business Development team at Space BD. He is focused on shaping future society through the development of the space industry.

Kyoichi graduated from the Tohoku University Graduate School in March 2019. He subsequently joined Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. He engaged in aircraft airframe inspection and maintenance (mainly in charge of engines), multiple business improvement projects in the maintenance department, business management, and promotion of digital transformation (DX).
He engages in satellite integration and technical coordination for the smallsatellite deployment business from the ISS. He also utilizes his experience in multiple technical fields to develop new businesses as an engineer aiming to connect space and non-space. He is from Shizuoka Prefecture.

Graduated from Nippon Sport Science University (NSSU), Faculty of Sport Science, in 2020. Participated in activities to help primary and junior high school students learn to become independent and was also involved in the planning and operation of university events during her university years. Focused on studying the academic and physical difference in the performances of primary, junior and senior high school students in Japan and abroad.
After graduating from NSSU, Momori worked for the theme park, Legoland Japan, and took charge of the operation of assembly and programming workshops using Lego® blocks.

Born in Chiba. Graduated from Tokyo Metropolitan University Graduate School of Systems Design in 2022 with a doctorate in aerospace systems engineering. Researched shock-absorbing materials for lunar landing module demonstration testing. Joined an electronics manufacturer and worked on electrical designs for office equipment before joining Space BD as an engineer. Aims to make space travel and utilization an ordinary part of daily life.

Joined Nippon Life Insurance in 2013. Stationed in India for two years after two years in insurance sales, performance analysis, and strategy in Japan. Reassigned to recruiting upon return to Japan and set up recruiting methods to meet new realities in the Covid-affected era; also involved in management strategy and new business of domestic group companies. Joined Space BD determined to make the space industry a friendlier, more familiar part of everyday life.

Graduated from the Keio University Faculty of Economics in 2016.Joined Sojitz and was Assigned to airport-related sales department; worked on overseas airport M&A deals and Japanese airport concessions. Subsequently joined Deloitte Tohmatsu Financial Advisory and worked on planning corporate restructuring, sales reform, and joint ventures for clients mainly in the automobile and electronics industries.

Born in Tokyo. Graduated from Hosei University. Joined a major food producer and was assigned to wide-area sales department. Worked on product planning and development, sales promotion strategies, and setting up private brands. Subsequently joined Space BD as assistant business developer. Hopes to harness the potential of the space industry to make society sustainable.

After graduating from the School of International Liberal Studies at Waseda University in 2017, Shogo joined Mitsubishi Corporation. During his time there he engaged in management of investment target companies in the iron and steel industry, exports to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Southwest Asia, and Australia, and trilateral transactions. He also worked to secure stable procurement of chemicals that serve as raw materials for the semiconductor industry.
He aims to further grow the space industry through partnership with companies in Japan and abroad through the satellite deployment project.

Graduated from Nagoya University Graduate School and joined IHI Corporation in 2017 where he worked on production engineering of aircraft engine parts and new product development. Kazuyuki went on to work for Interstellar Technologies Inc. and designed and developed engines for observation and orbital rockets.

Graduated from Otaru University of Commerce in 2019 and joined YKK AP Inc. where he worked on a wide range of construction-related tasks, including sales, construction management, and surveying. After leaving YKK, Kenta entered M & A Navi to design merger and acquisition systems mainly for the finance sector, taking charge of concluding alliance agreements with financial institutions. Working in the Business Development team at Space BD, his goal is to help develop the space business so it becomes a natural part of our lives and an area that attracts and interests people.

Daisuke graduated with a Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Alabama in 2008. He then joined IHI Co., Ltd. and took part in a wide range of operations related to aircraft engine life cycle business as an engineer of aircraft engines. In 2018, he moved to the company's space division and participated in new business development using satellite data.
Daisuke experienced international sales and business development in Space BD. From February 2020 to October 2020, he engaged in the developing new business such as environmental testing equipment export services at Corporate Strategy. Since November 2020, he has led overseas exporting projects of the space equipment and related services at the Business Development team.

Hoshiko graduated in 2014, majoring in Risk Engineering from the Graduate School of Systems and Information Enginesering, from the University of Tsukuba. She then joined Advanced Engineering Services Co., Ltd. as an engineer to work on engineering design and manufacturing. In 2017, she was in charge of coordination work with Asian countries to utilize the Kibo, Japanese Experiment Module. Hoshiko joined Space BD in December 2019, where she was involved mainly in the space education business at the Corporate Strategy Department. Since November 2020, she has been engaged with the user integration for J-SSOD and i-SEEP projects as an Engineer.

Graduated from Osaka Metropolitan University School of Engineering with a degree in aerospace engineering. Qualified aerospace engineer; work focuses on heat control systems; projects include: development and operation of satellites; development and operation of the exposed facility of Japan’s Kibo module on the ISS; development and operation of payloads for attachment to the exposed facility, focusing on thermal control systems; development of control systems, other systems, and products for aircraft engines, defense equipment, and general industrial equipment, and business operations related thereto.

Originally from Niigata Prefecture. Graduated in 2007 from Chuo University and entered Nippon Steel Trading Corporation where he was assigned to the sales division selling steel products in overseas markets. After working on the export of steel plates, Yosuke spent six years in Singapore following up on existing customers, from major corporations to mid and small size firms, and developing new leads. He also served as project manager on energy-related projects. After returning to Japan, Yosuke was put in charge of global marketing and sales of steel coils and semi-manufactured products. Also received an MBA degree from the Shizenkan University Graduate School of Leadership and Innovation.

Takayuki has engaged in multiple satellite integration operations for the smallsatellite deployment service from the ISS and the rideshare launch service with the H-IIA / H3 in Space BD.
Takayuki started his career at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. He engaged in a Japan-US joint project as a manufacturing engineer for the aircraft, defense, and space segment. He worked for a production improvement system construction and factory startup. At the Tohoku University, he took the role of a representative and project manager for a student group to produce and launch the rockets.
Takayuki holds a Master's Degree from the Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering at the School of Engineering, Institute of Fluid Science, Tohoku University.
Born in Fukuoka Prefecture.

Originally from Osaka, Yuichiro graduated from Waseda University in 2018 and started working for C. Itoh and Company, importing pork mainly from North/Central America and Europe for three years, and spent another year in the sales of ingredients used at restaurants.
He is in charge of satellite launch projects in Space BD.

Shinnosuke completed his program in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at the Graduate School of Systems Design at Tokyo Metropolitan University in 2021. After joining Canon Electronics Inc. as a new grad, he engaged in design and development of satellite components and rocket-related equipment as well as production engineering work. At Space BD, as a business development engineer he aims to expand the horizons of the space industry and create a world where the use of space is a matter of course. He is from Tokyo Prefecture.

Joined NEC Aerospace Systems in 2004 and worked on development of ground stations and ground systems for approximately 15 years.

Joined ALE in 2020 as manager of satellite operations responsible for ground system construction, in-orbit satellite operations, and communication system design for new satellites before joining Space BD. Currently working on project-based business development services.

Graduated from Sophia University in 2012, majoring in Science and Technology and studied neuronal migration in the brain.
Upon graduation, Haruna worked for Recruit Co., Ltd., and assisted clients in formulating their strategy for hiring staff and supported their recruitment process. Appointed in 2016 to work at the organising committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 where she was put in charge of organizational development and volunteer management. After returning to Recruit, Haruna served as a liaison for government relations, supporting the communications with government ministries and agencies.

After Masayuki graduated from the Faculty of Economics at Keio University in 2019, he joined Avantia GP. There he primarily engaged in audits of Tokyo Stock Exchange listed companies and companies preparing for IPO, as well as advisory services, among other duties. At Space BD, as a member of the corporate team he is responsible for management duties centered on accounting. He is a certified public accountant originally from Tochigi Prefecture.

Shizume joined Kanto Seiki Co., Ltd. (present: Marelli Corporation) as a new grad in 1984. In 2020 he transferred to Marelli Cabin Comfort Japan (present: Highly Marelli Japan Corporation). He consistently worked in accounting-related departments. After the launch of a Mexico subsidiary, he worked as the head of the accounting & administrative department and was also responsible for institutional accounting, including the introduction of IFRS and the settlement & disclosure operations for the Japanese subsidiary. In management accounting he worked as the global controller (monthly management reporting, budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis, etc.). At Space BD, as a member of the corporate team he is responsible for accounting duties. He is from Saitama Prefecture.

Ryuichi graduated from a bachelor degree in Aerospace Engineering from University of Queensland, and a master degree in Space Engineering Delft University of Technology. After conducting his research on space mission design research at OHB Systems, a major German space company, he worked as a satellite data analysis engineer at the Portuguese Institute of Ocean & Atmospheric Studies, where he gained gained experience with satellite data. He returned to Japan in 2016 to take on a position as the MINERVA research fellow at the Japan-European Industrial Cooperation Center, where he conducted research on EU-Japan cooperation in the field of Earth observation products and services. Japan-Europe cooperation, involving market research, policy analysis, and user needs analysis. As the expert on European space sector, he provides analysis on business trends and policy developments for companies and ministries, and holds a broad range of knowledge and insight on not only on the technical aspects of space, but also on satellite data, space policy / international relations, and space business.

Born in 1979. Marketing strategist and Brand consultant. After graduating the university in Tokyo, Horry joined an US based global advertising agency, McCANN ERICKSON group. After agency work, he had several marketing leadership experiences at best-in-class global brands such as adidas, Levi Strauss, Nike, LVMH, and Rakuten. His unique and broader experiences from Luxury, Fashion, Sports, FMCG to IT will enrich our value to be the best brand in its industry.