ALE and Five 'Starlight Challenge' Partner Companies to Participate in Panel Session at 'SPACETIDE 2026'

ALE Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Lena Okajima; hereinafter 'ALE'), a startup striving to realize the world's first artificial shooting stars, announces that CEO Lena Okajima and five corporate partners participating in the 'Starlight Challenge' will take part in a panel session on July 7, 2026 (Tuesday), the second day of 'SPACETIDE 2026'—Asia’s largest space business conference, held from July 6 to 9, 2026.

As an outreach partner of the event, ALE supports initiatives to promote the development of the space industry and foster cross-sector co-creation.

The panel session, titled 'Why Space? Non-Space Companies Discuss Business Collaboration with Artificial Shooting Stars,' will feature discussions with corporate partners involved in ALE’s artificial meteor demonstration project, 'Starlight Challenge.'

During the session, each participating company will share the motivations and expectations behind their decision to enter the space industry. They will also exchange insights on the potential for collaboration between the space sector and non-traditional industries, as well as the future expansion of space-related business.

Media professionals are currently invited to apply for press coverage. We welcome your interest and participation. Please apply via the form below.

Application Form: https://forms.gle/qXE61AmyNUwL1aoD9

Panel Session Overview

・Title: Why Space? Non-Space Companies Discuss Business Collaboration with Artificial Shooting Stars

・Date & Time: July 7, 2026 (Tue), 13:20–14:10

・Venue: Toranomon Hills Forum (within the SPACETIDE 2026 main venue)

Panelist Profiles

ALE Co., Ltd. CEO Lena Okajima

Born in Tottori Prefecture. Holds a Ph.D. in Astronomy from the Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo. After graduation, joined Goldman Sachs Securities Co., Ltd. Began research on artificial meteors in 2009 and founded ALE Co., Ltd. in September 2011. Currently serves as CEO.

au Energy & Life Corporation

Executive Vice President Takehiko Yoshioka

Graduated from the Master’s Program at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Faculty of Engineering, in 2003, and joined KDDI Corporation. After gaining experience in telecommunications, he participated in launching the energy business as a new venture in 2015.

Following the spin-off into au Energy & Life Corporation in 2022, he currently serves as Executive Vice President, overseeing the business strategy division and driving business expansion.

Takara Standard Co., Ltd.

Chief Manager Yuiki Yoku Business Development HQ, New Business Strategy Division

In his fourth year at Takara Standard. As the company's Open Innovation Promotion Lead, he is driving new business ideation tied to three domains—Technology, Wellness, and Lifetime—and seven market entries, aiming to improve quality of life by leveraging technological assets to enter adjacent lifestyle markets as part of the company's second founding phase.

Trusco Nakayama Corporation

General Manager Ryutaro Shimizu Orange Book Department Director, Product DB Platform Development Office

Joined Trusco Nakayama Corporation in 2004. Since 2024, has served as General Manager of the Orange Book Department, responsible for editing the 19,200-page comprehensive professional tool catalog, 'Trusco Orange Book.' He promotes advanced product information utilization and, since 2025, concurrently leads the Product DB Platform Development Office to build a product database and create new value.

Currently working to establish a space category within the 'Trusco Orange Book.'

Eguchi Iwazo Shoten Co., Ltd.

Executive Officer Atsushi Hashimoto Head of Sales, Shooting Star Project Operating Officer Commercial Operations, Shooting Star Project

Previously worked in marketing and risk management for energy businesses at a trading company, and in global expansion of automotive paint at a chemical manufacturer. Also contributed to operational improvements at a major domestic automaker. Has extensive experience across energy, chemicals, and automotive industries.

Currently manages overall sales operations, focusing on OEM and automotive parts. Leveraging the company’s expertise in materials, manufacturing, and supply chain, he leads the Starlight Challenge project to create value and ensure sustainable growth.

PR TIMES Inc.

Executive Officer Kazuhiro Takeuchi (Remote Participation)

Joined Recruit Co., Ltd. as a new graduate in 2008, serving as a sales leader and product planner. Transferred to IT Media Inc. in 2015, where he led marketing, alliances, and product development as Head of Media Planning. Co-founded IT Cloud Co., Ltd., serving as Director and Executive Vice President. Launched the SaaS review site 'ITreview,' overseeing media, marketing, and sales. Joined PR TIMES in August 2022 as General Manager of the customer support tool 'Tayori.' Appointed Executive Officer in October 2024.

Currently leads 'Project Hoshi no Chikyū' (Project Earth’s Stars), a collaborative initiative promoted by PR TIMES as a corporate partner of the Starlight Challenge.

Session Program

① Opening: Latest Satellite Updates (13:20–13:30)

Present the latest developments on the artificial meteor satellite currently under development. Discuss the potential for new value creation through space utilization amid growing cross-sector collaboration in the space industry.

② Candid Talk: 'How Did You Get Approval?' (13:30–13:50)

Invite corporate partners from the Starlight Challenge to discuss their motivations and decision-making processes behind entering the space business.

Share candid perspectives on investment in space ventures, synergy with existing businesses, and internal expectations—offering unique insights from non-space-sector companies.

③ Requests to the Space Industry (13:50–14:05)

From the viewpoint of companies that have actively participated in space projects, discuss expectations and challenges facing the space industry. Explore ideas to make space business more accessible to diverse companies and enhance cross-sector collaboration, envisioning the future of the space industry.

④ Closing (14:05–14:10)

Reflect on the session and summarize future outlooks toward the 'democratization of space.'

About SPACETIDE 2026

'SPACETIDE 2026' is organized by the General Incorporated Association SP