The Saturday edition of Nikkei wrote that a GOJ taskforce on space strategy updated its basic roadmap on Friday and articulated the nation’s plan to offer technical support for the U.S.’s Artemis lunar exploration initiative. Prime Minister Abe instructed the panel members to quickly formulate concrete plans for cooperation so Japan will be able make “robust contributions” to the U.S. project. The daily said Tokyo is keen to strengthen its space cooperation with Washington amid escalating competition between the U.S. and China for lunar exploration. Japan’s support will include providing equipment for the Lunar Gateway, sharing data on the lunar surface, and developing a lunar rover to transport astronauts.