"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)
Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] Decision not to conduct Destructive, Direct-Ascent Anti-Satellite Missile Testing

[Place]
[Date] September 13, 2022
[Source] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
[Notes]
[Full text]

1. The Government of Japan decided not to conduct destructive, direct-ascent anti-satellite (ASAT) missile testing in order to actively promote discussions in the international fora concerning the development of norms of responsible behavior in outer space.

2. This decision is a result of the Government of Japan’s considerations after the U.S. Government’s announcement not to conduct destructive, direct-ascent anti-satellite (ASAT) missile testing in April. On September 12, this decision was announced at the UN Open-Ended Working Group on reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours in outer space.

3. The Government of Japan will continue to play an active role to achieve secure, stable and sustainable outer space including the development of norms of responsible behavior in outer space.

(Reference) Announcements by Other Countries

In April 2022, the U.S. announced not to conduct destructive, direct-ascent anti-satellite (ASAT) missile testing.

Canada also announced not to conduct such missile testing at the UN Open-Ended Working Group which was held in this May.