Ako Matsushiro

Ako Matsushiro is a seasoned government relations expert specializing in policy-making and international negotiations, with over 20 years of experience in defense collaboration between Japan and the United States. Previously, they worked at Japan's Ministry of Defense, where they led high-level negotiations that established two Special Measures Agreements and oversaw Host Nation Support programs. Currently, Ako is expanding their knowledge in space policy through an Executive Master’s in Space Leadership, Business, and Policy at Thunderbird School of Global Management, while also serving as a Government Relations Expert at ispace, inc. They are dedicated to fostering strong international collaboration and developing frameworks for sustainable space operations.