#Startup

Japanese startup AirX has signed a binding order with Brazil's Eve Air Mobility for two eVTOL "flying car" aircraft, with options to expand to 50 units in a deal potentially worth $150 million. Targeting 2029 for sightseeing and last-mile transport services in Tokyo and Osaka, this agreement marks a major milestone in Japan's push toward urban air mobility — following successful demo flights at Expo 2025 Osaka.

Japanese startup AstroX has raised $15 million in Series A funding to develop its revolutionary Rockoon launch system — using high-altitude balloons to carry rockets to the stratosphere before firing them into space. Based in Fukushima's Minamisoma, the company aims to reach space by 2026 and achieve orbital insertion by 2029, challenging the global space launch industry with a low-cost, flexible alternative.

Electric scooter sharing service LUUP has achieved full coverage across all 23 Tokyo wards in February 2026. With over 16,000 ports and 5 million app downloads, Japan's largest micromobility service is booming—but rising accidents and traffic violations have sparked fierce public debate. How does Japan navigate the global micromobility challenge that led Paris to ban rental scooters?

Japanese space startup ALE announces "Starlight Challenge," its third attempt to create the world's first artificial shooting stars after two previous setbacks. Targeting a 2028 space demonstration and commercialization by 2029, this ambitious project blends space entertainment with atmospheric science research.

University of Tokyo-born startup Pale Blue enters the Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) business after being selected for JAXA's Space Strategy Fund. With its unique water-based propulsion technology, the company aims to create "branch line transportation" in space. A deep dive into Japan's growing space industry.

UTokyo Matsuo Lab spinoff Akari raises ¥5 billion ($33M) from Mitsubishi Electric, reaching ¥100 billion+ valuation. Learn how this 5-year-old AI startup achieved profitability from day one, partnered with 1,000+ companies, and is building the "next-generation industrial OS" for Japan's manufacturing sector.

Japanese startup AirKamuy has developed a cardboard military drone priced at just $2,000—one-tenth the cost of conventional fixed-wing UAVs. The AirKamuy 150 assembles in 5 minutes, flies at 120 km/h for 2 hours, and is attracting attention from Japan's Ministry of Defense and Coast Guard. How is this disruptive innovation reshaping defense technology?

Japanese space startup ispace has been selected for JAXA's Space Strategy Fund, securing up to $130 million over about five years for a 2029 lunar south pole landing. The mission tackles precision landing, extended surface operations and relay satellite deployment. After a 2026 reshuffle it is now designated Mission 4.