Tokyo. August 1, 2025 – Space Walker (Head office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; hereinafter “Space Walker”) is pleased to announce that Kazuya Masuda has been appointed as CEO. The former Co-Founder and CEO, Akihide Manabe, stepped down from his position upon the completion of his term on July 31, 2025. Additionally, as part of our initiative to create new value offerings by leveraging the technologies we have cultivated so far, we are pleased to announce the appointments of Akira Shisa (former Executive Officer and General Manager of the Space Transportation Division) and Yoshinari Tobinaga as Directors.
Under this new management structure, Space Walker will accelerate the development and commercialization of component products based on our space development technologies, as part of our medium- to long-term growth strategy.
Outline of appointments
New Appointments (Name / Position)
Kazuya MASUDA / CEO
Akira SHISA / Director
Yoshinari TOBINAGA / Director
Re-appointments (Name / Position)
Naoyuki OKAMOTO / Outside Director
Toshio ASADA / Outside Corporate Auditor (Attorney-at-Law)
Jumpei MIYAGI / Outside Corporate Auditor (CPA)
Koichi MIYOSHI / Executive Officer
Introduction of the New Executive Members
CEO : Kazuya MASUDA
Kazuya Masuda graduated from the School of Commerce at Waseda University in 2020. Upon graduation, he joined Yamada Consulting Group Co., Ltd., where he worked in the Business Revitalization Department at the Nagoya Branch. In 2022, he moved to Redish Co., Ltd., assuming the role of General Manager of the Loan Support Services Department. In 2024, he joined SPACE WALKER Inc. as Manager of both the Planning Promotion Office and the Administration Department. In July 2025, he was appointed as CEO of the company, a position he currently holds.
Message
The space industry is poised to become a major pillar supporting Japan’s future. Inheriting Japan’s craftsmanship, technological prowess, and spirit, our goal is to contribute to the advancement of the space industry and the establishment of a robust supply chain, by combining our engineering expertise with the power of people, so that “Made in Japan” space equipment will be loved and utilized worldwide.
Director : Akira SHISA
Akira Shisa was General Manager of the Business Development Group and the Sales Group at the Space Development Department in the Aero Engine, Space & Defense Business Area at IHI Corporation before joining Space Walker. He has previous experience in secondment to IHI Aerospace Co., Ltd. as well as Galaxy Express Corporation. He began his career at Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. and holds a bachelor’s degree from the Department of Naval Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Tokyo.
Message
Guided by Space Walker’s slogan — “Space travel is no longer a dream.” — we will accelerate our efforts toward the social implementation of our spaceplane. By connecting boundary-crossing technology between sky and space to human inspiration, we aim to take the first step toward our vision. Initially, we will focus on the manufacturing and sales of key components, laying the foundation for a full-cycle business from order intake to after-sales service. We hope you look forward to our continued challenge to turn dreams into reality.
Director : Yoshinari TOBINAGA
Yoshinari Tobinaga graduated from the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Faculty of Engineering, at the University of Tokyo. He served as General Manager of the Sales Division and Branch Manager of the Kansai Office at Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., Aerospace Systems Company from 2018 to 2020, and as Executive Officer from 2020 to 2023. He held the position of President and CEO of NIPPI Corporation from 2020 to 2024. Since 2024, he has been serving as President and CEO of ToBy Research Institute, Inc. He is also a licensed Professional Engineer in the Aerospace field and a certified Small and Medium Enterprise Management Consultant.
Message
I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to contribute to Space Walker’s development of future space transportation systems and the establishment of their supply chain. I will devote myself to advancing both existing businesses and the new component business by leveraging my experience and expertise.
【For inquiries, contact】
Corporate Planning Office/Public Relations
pr@space-walker.co.jp