Mihoko Shintani

Practice Areas

Space Business and Space Law / Defence industry and Security / New business launch and risk management / Startup investment / IP Strategy Support / IP Litigation / AI / IoT / Entertainment

Career

Started career with TMI Associates in 2006, becoming Counsel in 2018, and Partner in 2020.

April 2017 Member of advisory group for the Cabinet Office Ordinance formulation of space activities law in Japan, Cabinet Strategic Section for Space Development

October 2017 Member of task force for the issues discussion to support the future space Industry in Japan, Cabinet Strategic Section for Space Development

July 2018 Co-Founder and Director, Space Port Japan Association (“SPJ”)

January 2020 Member of the “Committee for Businesses Promoting Data Sharing in Cooperative Areas and AI System Development for the Promotion of ‘Connected Industries,’ Consideration of Architecture in Autonomous Mobile System-Related Fields Section (Committee for Architecture in Drone-Related Fields),” Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

April 2020 Inspector, GENERAL INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION SPACE FOOD SPHERE

September 2020 Member of the Review Committee for Policy Formulation regarding STM and SSA, Cabinet Strategy Section for Space Development

October 2020 Member of the Review Committee for the Roadmap for the Realization of Innovative Future Space Transportation Systems, Space Development Utilization Working Group, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology

December 2020 Expert committee member of the Cabinet Office "Sub-working group on orbital services"

April 2021 Member of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology "Aerospace Science and Technology Promotion Consignment Expenses Examination Evaluation Committee"

July 2021 Member of the Cabinet Office "Orbital Utilization Review Committee"

October 2021 Member of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry "Contract Review Committee for Artificial Satellite Business"

January 2022 Member of the "Space Policy Committee, Space Security Subcommittee" of the Cabinet Office

August 2022 Member of the Cabinet Office "Orbital Utilization Review Committee"

November 2022 Expert member of the Cabinet Office "Survey on Procurement and Contracts in the Space Field"

May 2023 Member of the "Space Policy Committee, Basic Policy Subcommittee, Space Transportation Subcommittee" of the Cabinet Office

June 2023 Member of the "Investigation Committee for Commercialization Demonstration Using ALOS-2 Archived Data" of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

March 2024 Member of the “Industrial Structure Council, Manufacturing Industry Subcommittee, Space Industry Subcommittee” of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

September 2024 Member of the “Research and Study Group on Industrial Policy Related to Space Traffic Management, etc.” of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

September 2024 Member of the “Space Policy Committee, Basic Policy Subcommittee, Subcommittee on Review of the Space Activities Act” of the Cabinet Office

October 2024 Member of the Cabinet Office “Formation of International Rules for Space Traffic Management Committee”

Work Highlights

• Resolution of Major Conflicts in Defence Satellite Projects

Played a key role in mediating and resolving complex, large-scale disputes concerning defence satellite systems, contributing to practical and balanced outcomes.

• Handled Multiple Space-Oriented Disputes with International Space Companies

Successfully managed and resolved significant conflicts with global space corporations, drawing on collaborative negotiation skills and a deep understanding of industry dynamics.

• Comprehensive Legal Support for Investments in International Space Startups

Provided dedicated legal counsel for investment initiatives in global space startups, facilitating informed decision-making and risk management.

• Facilitation of International Space Entities to Launch in Japanese Market

Supported foreign space enterprises in establishing operations within the Japanese market, ensuring smooth transitions and compliance with local regulations.

• Contract Negotiations with Leading Rocket Launch Companies

Engaged in detailed negotiations and finalised agreements with major rocket launch service providers, ensuring fair and mutually beneficial terms.

• Policy Advocacy Through Applied Expertise in Space and Defence Sectors

Offered practical policy suggestions based on hands-on experience in the space and defence industries, contributing to constructive discussions.

• Lobbying for Space and Defence Business Advancement

Participated in targeted lobbying efforts aimed at fostering progress and innovation in the space and defence sectors.

• Policy Contributions as a Government Committee Member

Participated in domestic government meetings, contributing recommendations on policy matters relevant to national priorities.

• Legal Analysis for National and Defence-Related Projects

Conducted careful legal reviews and analyses for national and defence projects, addressing complex regulatory and compliance issues.

• Founding of Space Port Japan Association (SPJ)

Leading to the establishment of Space Port Japan Association as a founding director of the non-profit organisation, supporting efforts to unify Japan’s space stakeholders.

• Engagement in International Forums as a Speaker, Moderator, and Research Presenter

Delivered presentations, moderated discussions, and shared research findings at multiple international conferences, promoting knowledge exchange.

Experience

Audit and Supervisory Committee Member, CELM Co., Ltd., 2023

Independent outside director, CELM Co., Ltd., 2021

Part-time hired lawyer, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), 2017-2022

Visiting Researcher, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), 2016

Education