Japanese Space Policy - Where is she going?

Passing 26 years from 1970 when the first satellite was launched into the orbit, Japan developed and successfully launched H-II from Tanegashima Space Center in 1994. During those period, Japanese space policy has experienced a big shake from independent development to technology import from the US, and back again to independent development. In general, the H-II rocket which was manufactured by 100% domestic technology, brings Japan from the old era (experimental stage) to the new era (practical use stage). Fundamental Policy of Japan's Space Activities, which decides such policy as mentioned, was revised in January, 1996 this year after an interval of 7 years. This revised outline confirms the result of Japanese space technology until present and identifies the future direction and framework of her space activities for a period of coming ten years on the basis of a ong-term perspective towards the 21st century. However, when comparing with the last Fundamental Policy in 1989, there seems no big change in it, and a long-term perspective is also not seen there. The description varies on some important points in international space law, like international cooperation, protection of environment, commercial use, etc. In addition, the immaturity as well as the necessity of broader discussion are felt because neither this Fundamental Policy nor The National Defense Program Outline treated any national and international security matters concerning outer space. Considering the present time when Japan enters into the practical use of outer space, such as application, commercial use and launching service, etc, it is doubtful whether new Fundamental Policy was properly planned or not. It seems necessary to use several measures by which the public opinion, opinions from industry and debate on the security are reflected in the policy making.