New ‘Earth Base’ Headquarters Opened in Tokyo by ispace
Forging Japan’s “Sixth Highway” Connecting Earth and the Moon, Company Says
A new headquarters dubbed ‘Earth Base’ has been opened by ispace in the central Nihonbashi section of Tokyo. The location in the heart of Tokyo is quickly becoming an ecosystem for space startups and space-focused companies and organizations. The growth of Nihonbashi, which is known as the heart of Tokyo’s commercial district and kilometer zero for the country’s highway system, as a prime location for space companies is led by Mitsui Fudosan, Japan’s largest real estate developer.
“From this historic location, all employees will pioneer the ‘Sixth Highway’ connecting Earth and the Moon.”
Takeshi Hakamada, ispace
Since Japan’s Edo period (1600s), Nihonbashi has served as the starting point of Gokaido, or the five main highways that historically connected the country. As ispace moves to its new location, it aims to establish a sixth, additional highway to the network, connecting the Earth and Moon in a single ecosystem.
The move to its new corporate facility is expected to increase cross-collaboration and streamline operations, serving as an Earth base for ispace’s growing operations. Currently, multiple lunar landing missions are now being developed globally in parallel, including Mission 3, as well as Mission 4 and Mission 6.
ispace established its Mission Control Center in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, in December 2020, followed by relocating its headquarters to Nihonbashi, Hamacho, in February 2021. For the next five years during HAKUTO-R Missions 1 and 2, ispace conducted its mission operations from this location, while its corporate and front office staff operated from the separate office building in Hamacho. During this period, ispace has grown to approximately 190 members, or about 1.7 times the original size and in April 2023, became a listed company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
“Starting today, ispace is opening, “Earth Base,” its new headquarters in Nihonbashi, Tokyo. Dating back to the Edo Period, Nihonbashi has been the starting point for the Five Highways, facilitating the flow of people, goods, and information throughout Japan. It is truly a fitting location for ispace to take on the next challenge, and this relocation signifies our commitment to the next phase of growth. From this historic location, all employees will pioneer the ‘Sixth Highway’ connecting Earth and the Moon, and challenge ourselves to build the new frontier of the cislunar economy,” said Takeshi Hakamada, Founder & CEO of ispace.