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Minister AKAZAWA Holds Meeting with NATO Permanent Representatives

Japanese

April 17, 2026

Manufacturing, Information, and Distribution/Service Policy

On Friday, April 17, Mr. AKAZAWA Ryosei, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, held a meeting with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Permanent Representatives to encourage defense industry cooperation between Japan and NATO. On the same day, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) held a meeting with the NATO Permanent Representatives and dual-use startups. Following presentations by the start-up companies on their products and technologies, participants took part in proactive discussions.

1. Meeting with Minister AKAZAWA

During the meeting between Minister AKAZAWA and the NATO Permanent Representatives, the two sides exchanged views on encouraging defense industry cooperation between Japan and NATO.

Minister AKAZAWA emphasized that building a production base capable of responding to increased production demands in times of crisis, as well as an innovation base, is essential for strengthening defense capabilities. He also stated that cooperation with NATO member countries and other nations is crucial.

In light of this, the two sides agreed to deepen cooperation between Japan and NATO towards strengthening supply chains and promoting innovation leveraging startups.

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2. Meeting with dual-use startup companies

Following pitch-style presentations by six dual-use startup companies* from Japan on their products and technologies, the NATO Permanent Representatives and executives from the six startup companies took part in proactive discussions towards promoting cooperation with NATO.

The six dual-use startup companies from the Japanese side (quantum computing, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), space, AI, cybersecurity) are: LQUOM, Inc., Tera Watt Technology, Inc., Pale Blue Inc., SAKANA AI, Nihon Cyber Defence Co., Ltd., and SpaceData Inc.
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Division in Charge

Aerospace and Defense Industry Division, Manufacturing Industries Bureau

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