2026.5.1Event
【Call for Participants!】Advancing Next-Generation Cloud and Precipitation Satellite Observation: Japan-U.S. Public–Private Collaboration
Under the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission, JAXA and NASA have been conducting high-frequency, high-accuracy global precipitation measurements by leveraging multiple satellite data within a U.S.–Japan-led international cooperation framework.
JAXA is currently advancing the development of the Precipitation Measuring Mission (PMM), a precipitation radar satellite project that will carry the Ku-band Doppler Precipitation Radar (KuDPR), an enhanced successor to the Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) onboard the GPM Core Observatory. In parallel, NASA has launched the FALCON (Fleet for the Atmosphere Linking Commercial Observations with NASA) mission. Together, these initiatives are fostering growing momentum for Japan–U.S. collaboration to expand and accelerate next-generation atmospheric and precipitation Earth Observation.
This event aims to provide an overview of the legacy of Japan-U.S. Earth observation collaboration, spanning from GPM mission to FALCON and PMM. While sharing the mid- to long-term plans of the Earth observation programs of both JAXA and NASA, the event also seeks to deepen a shared understanding of the significance and value of next-generation atmospheric and precipitation Earth observation.
In addition, the event will address opportunities and challenges related to public–private partnerships, including expanded use of commercial satellites and enhanced data utilization. Discussions will also look ahead to future directions for Japan-U.S. cooperation and public–private collaboration. We warmly invite your participation.
Event Information
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・Date & Time: June 5, 2026, 10:30-12:00 (approx.)
*Networking session available (12:05–13:00)
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・Format: Hybrid Meeting
・Venue: X-NIHONBASHI TOWER(Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower 7F, 2-1-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
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・Online Streaming：Microsoft Teams
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・Networking Fee: ¥1,000
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・Host: JAXA, CONSEO
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・Support: National Space Policy Secretariat, Cabinet Office, MEXT
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・Language: English
Program （*Schedule and speakers are subject to change without notice.）
| ・10:30～10:35 | Opening Remarks |
| ・10:35～10:45 | Guest Remarks |
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【Keynote Speech】 ・10:45～11:05 |
NASA Earth Science Program and U.S.–Japan Collaboration
・Nicola Fox |
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【Panel Discussion】 ・11:10～12:00 |
Next-Generation U.S.-Japan Cloud and Precipitation Satellite Observation and Emerging Business Opportunities
・Nobuhiro Takahashi *Moderator
・Karen M. St. Germain
・Tomomi Nio
・Tatsu Ga *Online
・Satoru Demoto |
| ・12:00～12:05 | Closing Remarks |
| ・12:05～13:00 | Networking |
Registration & Inquiries
【Contact Information】CONSEO Secretariat：z-conseo@ml.jaxa.jp
Profile Information
・Keynote Speech
Nicola Fox (Associate Administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA)
Profile and Brief Biography
https://www.nasa.gov/people/nicola-fox/
As the Associate Administrator (AA) for the Science Mission Directorate, Dr. Nicola Fox directs ~100 NASA missions to explore the secrets of the universe–missions that use the view from space to assess questions as practical as hurricane formation, as enticing as the prospect of lunar resources, as amazing as behavior in weightlessness, and as profound as the origin of the universe. As the AA, Dr. Fox creates a balanced portfolio of carefully chosen missions and research goals to enable a deep scientific understanding of Earth, other planets, the Sun, and the universe.
・Panel Discussion
Nobuhiro Takahashi (Professor and Director of Center for Orbital and Suborbital Research, Institute for Space-Earth Environmental Research, Nagoya University / Adviser to the Director General, Earth Observation Research Center, JAXA)
Profile and Brief Biography
Dr. Takahashi was involved in the development of the precipitation radar onboard the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), the Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) aboard the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission, and the Cloud Profiling Radar (CPR) aboard the EarthCARE satellite, from 1994 to 2015 at the predecessor organization of the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT). During this period, he also contributed to the development of a multi-parameter phased-array weather radar.Since 2015, he has served in his current position at Nagoya University. He currently serves as Project Scientist for GPM, Project Scientist for JAXA’s next-generation precipitation observation mission, the Precipitation Measuring Mission (PMM), and Validation Team Leader for the EarthCARE mission. He also serves as Leader of the Earth Scientific Advancement Working Group of the TF Remote Sensing Subcommittee.
Karen M. St. Germain (Earth Science Division Director, NASA)
Profile and Brief Biography
https://science.nasa.gov/people/karen-st-germain/
Dr. St. Germain is the Division Directorate of the Earth Science Division, in the Science Mission Directorate at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Headquarters. She provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and overall management for the entire agency’s Earth Science portfolio, from technology development, applied science, research, mission implementation and operation.
Tomomi Nio (Senior Chief Officer of Earth Observation Missions / Director of Satellite Applications and Operations Center, Space Technology Directorate I, JAXA)
Profile and Brief Biography
Tomoni Nio has served as the Senior Chief Officer of Earth Observation Missions at JAXA in April 2026, overseeing the development, operation, utilization, and research of Earth observation satellite missions.She joined the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA, later integrated into JAXA) in 2000 and has contributed to the development and operation of multiple satellite missions, including TRMM, GPM, and EarthCARE. She previously served as Mission Manager for the EarthCARE mission and the Precipitation Measuring Mission (PMM) before assuming her current position in 2026.She holds a Master's degree in Earth and Planetary Sciences from the University of Tokyo.
Tatsu Ga (Asia Department of Electric Power Development Co., Ltd.)
Profile and Brief Biography
After joining Electric Power Development Co., Ltd. (J-POWER) in 2010, following the completion of his Master’s degree from Institute of Science Tokyo (formerly Tokyo Institute of Technology), Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tatsu Ga has worked on several hydropower plant projects. He has led business development initiatives for new hydropower projects across Southeast Asia and managed investment and consulting assignments involving the planning and design of overseas hydropower plants. He is currently based in Laos, where he is engaged in the construction management of a hydropower IPP project.
Satoru Demoto (Founder & CEO, Aqunia Inc.)
Profile and Brief Biography
Master's degree in Climate Science from the University of Tokyo. Obtained his Certified Weather Forecaster license at age 14 (the youngest in Japan at the time). Following roles as a strategy consultant at PwC and Arthur D. Little Japan and as an Executive Officer at AI startup Araya, he served as co-founder at Gaia Vision from 2023, driving flood prediction product development and business initiatives including a Minister of Environment Award for Environmental Startups and a METI Global South master planning project.
In August 2025, he founded Aqunia Inc. for global deployment of flood forecast, water resource, and climate risk solutions using simulation, AI, and satellite data.