TOKYO -- The Japanese government and four companies, including major trading house Mitsui & Co. and construction company Obayashi, are teaming up to develop the country's space business.
Public-private enterprise to solicit ideas and finance promising projects

An H-2A rocket lifts off from the Tanegashima Space Center.
TOKYO -- The Japanese government and four companies, including major trading house Mitsui & Co. and construction company Obayashi, are teaming up to develop the country's space business.