Japanese retail investors are showing growing interest in SpaceX shares, according to financial analysts tracking overseas investment trends. The surge comes as the company faces a delay in its initial public offering, which was initially expected in 2021 but has since been postponed. SpaceX’s recent Falcon 9 launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on June 8 has amplified scrutiny of the company’s stock, with trading volumes from Japanese accounts rising 18% in the past month, per data from Tokyo-based investment firm Nomura Securities.
The launch, which carried a payload for the U.S. Space Force, marked the 100th mission for SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. The event drew crowds to the Brevard County coastline, where residents and visitors gathered to watch the liftoff from Space Launch Complex 40. Local business owners near the launch site reported increased foot traffic, with some vendors selling SpaceX-themed merchandise for the first time since 2020.
SpaceX has not commented on the surge in Japanese investor activity. However, industry insiders suggest the interest may be linked to Japan’s own space ambitions, including plans to launch commercial satellites by 2025. The Japanese government has invested heavily in space technology, allocating 2.5 trillion yen ($17 billion) to its space program over the next decade, according to a 2023 budget report.
The company’s stock has remained private despite repeated speculation about a potential IPO. SpaceX founder Elon Musk has previously stated the company will go public only after achieving full-scale Starship operations, a goal he estimates will take at least three more years. In the meantime, investors are turning to secondary markets, where SpaceX shares trade at a premium of 20% over the last known private valuation.
Brevard County officials have welcomed the attention, noting that SpaceX’s presence has already generated over $1.2 billion in economic activity since 2015. County Commissioner Jerry Holland said the interest from Japanese investors could open new opportunities for local suppliers and contractors working on upcoming missions.