Arab News Japan

TOKYO: The Japan International Aerospace Exhibition 2024, a diverse gathering of global aerospace leaders, concluded at Tokyo Big Sight on Saturday.

The event, which attracted nearly 50,000 visitors, featured a wide range of civilian and military companies, including representatives from Israel and the United States.

Outside the exhibition site, a significant development unfolded as demonstrators voiced their concerns. They called for Japanese companies to halt their business dealings with Israeli companies, which they accuse of being ‘complicit in genocide in Gaza.’ The focus of their protest was Israeli defense company Elbit Systems, which has been collaborating with Japanese defense firms.

The exhibition featured companies involved in manufacturing, operating and maintaining aircraft, including aerospace and defense vehicles. Lectures and seminars were held with industry leaders and experts.

ISHIKAWA Takeshi, Director-General of the Defense Equipment Agency, focused on measures and future directions for strengthening defense production and technical infrastructure. Part of this involves research but also covers defense equipment transfers and operational guidelines, a source of controversy due to Japan’s pacifist constitution.

Japan’s defense industry is opening up and is keen to cooperate with foreign countries to produce, export, and import weaponry, such as its next phase fighter. Japan usually cooperates closely with the United States but is also looking further afield towards Israel and Europe.

HIRAOKA Naritetsu, Director of the Aviation Bureau at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, addressed the aviation market in Japan considering its declining and aging population and recovery from the pandemic. He emphasized the need for greater decarbonization and a flexible approach to aviation administration.

IBUKI Hideaki, Director of the Manufacturing Industry Bureau in the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, spoke on how Japan’s defense industry is making efforts to grow, noting that the space field is now extremely important in terms of security.

Other topics covered included an overview of NATO Space Centre activities, challenges for future aircraft technologies and the future of cybersecurity.