An Interview with Professor Saadia Pekkanen: Charting the Future of Japan, Space, and Global Affairs

Well, hello, Professor Pekkannen. Today we're here to talk about how you sort of got to the place you are today and why you've chosen to study, what you have. And so, my first question for you is, what inspired you to study and pursue study in Japan as a career?  

Thank you for that question. When I arrived in graduate school for my PhD, I was broadly interested in international relations and international political economy. My advisor, Susan Farr, played a pivotal role in shaping my academic focus. She had a significant influence on me, which led to my growing interest in Japan. I remember a conversation I had with Susan recently—she had just celebrated her 80th birthday. I asked her if she remembered when I first approached her, saying I wanted to work on outer space affairs. She told me, "Come down to earth." And so, I did. She then suggested, "Why don't you take a look at Japan?" That was how I began to delve more deeply into studying Japan, and I’m so glad I did. Japan’s story has been truly remarkable over time. What I found particularly inspiring about Susan’s teaching was her holistic approach to studying Japan. She emphasized integrating history, culture, politics, and policy to develop a fine-grained, on-the-ground perspective—starting from domestic politics and working upwards. That approach has greatly shaped how I study Japan today.  

And sort of along those lines, I'm sort of curious, like what sort of first got you interested in outer space affairs as a topic.  

You know, that's such an interesting question. I think the picture that truly sparked my interest is the beautiful image of Earthrise. I'm not sure if you've ever seen it—it's a very iconic image taken at the end of 1968. If you Google it, you'll find it. It's called Earthrise, and it's the first-time human beings saw what our planet looks like from outer space. I remember growing up with that picture, though it got all torn up over time. I don't know what happened to it, but the image has always stayed with me. 

It's hard to pinpoint exactly why people do what they do or what they love, but for me, it was just something I was deeply interested in. I wanted to learn about space politics and policy and understand how we could think about international relations in space. That's how it all started. 

On that note, could you tell us a bit more about what you specifically teach and research? 

I currently teach courses on Japan, with a specific focus on its international relations and national security. It's been fascinating to observe the evolution of Japan's foreign and security policies over the years. In addition to these topics, I also teach courses on space law and policy, as well as new classes on the foundations of space policy. These areas form the core of my teaching. 

One of the unique aspects of our program is a feature called the Task Force. In these courses, we train students to tackle real-world issues, produce detailed reports, and present their findings to professional evaluators—such as diplomats, strategists, or experts from government and think tanks. For example, I once led a task force on Japan’s space diplomacy, which was an incredible learning experience. One of the students who spearheaded that project now works for Japan's Ministry of Defense, contributing to Japan’s military space diplomacy. Seeing their success has been deeply rewarding. 

This year, I’m leading a task force on nuclear politics in outer space. The topics change each year, but I always strive to include a Japanese context, allowing students to explore those intersections. These classes are particularly exciting because the students take on the roles of researchers and experts in specific areas. They develop and present ideas that address real-world challenges, often culminating in policy recommendations. 

I believe this approach is incredibly valuable because it allows students to test their ideas against practical realities. In academia, it’s easy to remain theoretical, but by engaging with practitioners and policymakers, students gain a stronger sense of how their work applies in real-world contexts. This hands-on experience is something students truly appreciate, and I believe it makes a lasting impact. 

I just want to ask if you see a trend among students when it comes to Japan and international relations. Do you see students getting more interested in Japan? Because that's what we observe here. 

That’s an interesting question. There’s definitely interest in Japan, but I would like to see more students going to Japan and engaging deeply with its foreign relations. To foster that, we need expertise and a robust academic infrastructure. One professor alone can’t do everything, but there is a growing interest, particularly in areas connected to broader concerns like technology and security. 

From my perspective, students are not just looking to learn about Japan for its own sake; they’re also considering employability. They want credible skills they can market to employers. As you know, academia is changing significantly, and our responsibility is to equip students with both substantive knowledge about Japan and technical or conceptual skills that enhance their career prospects. 

Not all students want to become professors; many aim to work in diplomacy, strategy, policymaking, business, or the non-profit sector. So the question becomes: how do we train them to navigate those paths? I find that students who come to me are looking for that intersection—where their interest in Japan meets skills that are applicable in the real world. 

That’s a big focus of my teaching. Academia needs to adapt to ensure students are employable, and that’s something I take seriously. While we can share our research and academic insights, at the end of the day, I want to feel confident that we’ve trained students in ways that are practical and relevant. 

For example, I was thrilled to see one of my former students presenting at a ministerial event—they’ve gone on to do impactful work outside academia. Many of my students end up in business, government, or international organizations. The challenge is figuring out how to best prepare them for these roles. 

If you have any ideas about how we can do this better, I’d love to hear them. I’m serious about improving the way we train students and making their education as impactful as possible. 

You spoke about preparing students for the real world. In that direction, where do you see the future of outer space affairs in Japan heading? And how do you think students can get involved? For example, you mentioned one of your students went to the Ministry of Defense, but more broadly, what are some other pathways for students to enter this field? 

That’s a great question. I’d say there’s no other industry with more promise for students to enter right now. As I mentioned in my talk, outer space affairs aren’t just about defense—they also encompass civilian and scientific enterprises, as well as commercial applications that impact our everyday lives. 

Our goal is to equip students with the tools to understand the substantive aspects of space while also positioning them in global networks, particularly those connected to Japan. This rising field will not only involve Japan but will attract engagement from many other countries. The students we’re training now are aiming for careers in diplomacy, strategy, and policy across government, businesses, and non-profits, which aligns perfectly with the opportunities in outer space affairs. 

However, focusing solely on space law and policy isn’t enough. While we can teach those frameworks, students also need a deep understanding of what’s happening on the ground within a country. Without this context, there’s a real danger of misinterpreting narratives, which can lead to flawed policy or business decisions. For a space power like Japan—one of the few significant players in this field—substantial country-specific knowledge is essential. 

This field, though technology-driven, still requires expertise in areas like Japan’s domestic context, international relations, and cultural nuances. Training students to understand this intersection is incredibly rewarding for me. It ensures they’re prepared to not only enter but also shape this field. 

Ultimately, while we can provide the knowledge and skills, it’s up to the students to take the next steps and move these conversations forward—hopefully in peaceful and constructive ways. Whether they work in defense, business, or the non-profit sector, the goal is to equip them to prevent conflict, defuse tensions, and contribute meaningfully to this dynamic and important field. 

You mentioned the importance of understanding what’s happening in a country to make policy decisions. In your presentation, you also touched on the U.S.-China bipolarity and the recent U.S. election. How do you think students should approach understanding these events, how Japan fits into them, and how they might shape the future? 

That’s a great question. I actually wrote a chapter on this topic for the Oxford Handbook of Space Security, so it’s something I’ve thought about extensively. There is indeed a growing bipolar rivalry between the United States and China, particularly in the context of international relations in space. Within this dynamic, the U.S. has built a network of alliances, and one of the most prominent is the U.S.-Japan Alliance. 

As I mentioned in my talk, the U.S. and Japan, along with NATO, have extended these alliances to include outer space. From Japan’s perspective, this has meant aligning closely with the United States in terms of security architecture. However, it’s essential to remember that space is inherently dual-use. The same technologies that can be used for defense purposes can also advance peaceful objectives and improve life on Earth. 

Japan’s approach to space diplomacy and statecraft is particularly noteworthy. It has been quietly building networks and coalitions aimed at fostering peace and cooperation in outer space. As I mentioned, people like Mireya Solís have highlighted how understated yet impactful Japan’s efforts in this area are. It’s an important story that doesn’t get enough attention. 

The outcome of the recent U.S. election will likely influence the trajectory of U.S. security policies, including in space. From Japan’s standpoint, it remains closely aligned with the U.S., but it’s also juggling multiple responsibilities and relationships in this arena. Japan is contributing significantly to maintaining peace and preventing conflict in space, both through its alliance with the U.S. and its independent diplomatic efforts. 

While the U.S.-Japan alliance is a powerful force for deterrence, it’s vital not to view this relationship in isolation. We need to take a broader, 360-degree view of Japan’s actions and strategies that contribute to peace in space. This holistic perspective helps us appreciate the full scope of Japan’s efforts to ensure that space remains a domain for cooperation and innovation rather than conflict. 

Thank you. Shifting to a more casual topic, do you have any advice for recent or soon-to-be graduates? And looking back, is there anything you would have wanted to tell your younger self? 

Absolutely. The first piece of advice I’d give to both undergraduates and graduate students is to understand the importance of networking. Whenever there’s a talk, a guest speaker, or an opportunity to connect with someone—whether they’re from another university, government, business, or any field relevant to your interests—make the effort to introduce yourself. Share a bit about who you are and engage them in conversation. 

Even in today’s digitally connected world, human relationships matter immensely, and we should never lose sight of that. I wish someone had emphasized this to me more when I was starting out. Building genuine connections is invaluable. 

In addition to networking, I’d also recommend reaching out to your advisors for guidance. Professors know many people in the field and can help you make meaningful connections. I understand that students sometimes feel intimidated, thinking professors are unapproachable, but the reality is quite the opposite. We’re rooting for your success, and if you come to us and share your goals, we’ll do our best to open doors for you. 

Lastly, always be prepared to network. Have a polished, one-page CV ready to go at all times. If we introduce you to someone, it’s helpful to have something tangible to share. I’d also encourage students to use LinkedIn—connect with people you meet, including me! It’s a great way to maintain relationships over time. 

So, in summary: network, talk to your professors, and be ready with your CV. These steps will help you make the most of your opportunities and ensure you’re prepared to take the next steps toward your career. 

And finally, for some fun questions—do you have a favorite Japanese food or snack? 

Oh, absolutely! I’d have to say kabocha—I love it and could eat it all the time. And, of course, I can’t leave out sushi—it’s a classic and always delicious. Honestly, Japanese food is amazing overall, so it’s hard to pick just one favorite! 

Do you have a favorite place in Japan or perhaps a favorite neighborhood in Tokyo that you love to revisit? 

Oh, gosh, so many places come to mind—it’s hard to choose! I think my favorite neighborhood would have to be Shinjuku. It’s such a vibrant and exciting area. We used to live in Ikebukuro, which is also lovely, but the place I find myself returning to often is Kasumigaseki. It’s where many government offices are, and I’ve spent a lot of time there meeting with bureaucrats and officials. 

There are also little pockets of Tokyo that hold special memories for me. For example, I used to visit the Kinokuniya bookstore in West Shinjuku. Unfortunately, part of it is no longer there, but the Japanese branch is still thriving, which is wonderful. That area connects me to my graduate school days, so it’s very nostalgic. 

How about you—do you have a favorite neighborhood in Tokyo? 

I don’t know if I have a particular favorite, but I like Shimokitazawa. It’s so popular with young people right now, especially for shopping. I go there a lot. I also just love it because it’s where my friends and I hang out. 

Yeah, I can see why—it’s definitely a hub for younger people. But I have to say, I also enjoy Ginza. It’s more for the older crowd, you know? It has a different vibe. And, by the way, Ginza is home to my favorite sushi place, Midori. Have you been there? 

No, I don't think I have.  

Oh, my goodness, yes! You absolutely have to go there. Midori is one of those places where you have to queue up for a long time, but it’s totally worth it. After eating there, you’ll feel like you can never have sushi anywhere else again! 

I'm going to throw out a wild question.  

Oh, yes.  

Do you have a favorite planet or star? 

I think the right answer is planet Earth, don’t you think? I mean, it’s the only one we have. Sometimes we forget that we’re in space, but we are. We have one moon, one planet, and it’s very fragile. The whole system is delicate. So, I think we need to turn our focus not just on scientific exploration, but also on how space can help build a more peaceful and sustainable life on Earth. Our satellites are constantly observing, so we need to make sure it all works well for everyone.