Wataru Takahama

Director, Space Industry Division
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

Mr. TAKAHAMA Wataru began his career at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) in 2002. During his tenure, he gained extensive experience in formulating policies for the information technology industry, energy policies in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake, and climate change negotiations as the G7 presidency. In July 2024, he was appointed Director of the Space Industry Division, which was established as part of METI's organisational restructuring.

In addition, he has had the opportunity to work in Europe and Oita Prefecture throughout his career. It is worth noting that during his tenure as Director General for the Commerce, Tourism, and Labor in Oita Prefecture, He initiated the launch of a project to transform Oita Airport into a spaceport in Asia, fostering collaboration with U.S. space companies. He has a broad perspective, from local to global, from Earth to space, and he is committed to driving transformative change within the space industry.

He graduated from Waseda University, in Japan, Faculty of engineering. He completed the Master of Pacific International Affairs at the University of California, San Diego, in U.S.

He was born in Oita Prefecture on July 9, 1978.