The unofficially announced budgets which are important for carrying out our operations in 2014 are as follows.

The following are necessary budgets for our new projects in 2014.

We will brace ourselves for the new year.

　JAXA has been investigating a flight deviation that prevented us from measuring the sonic boom during the first drop test conducted as part of its second phase of the D-SEND#2 on August 16, 2013. The investigation team reached the conclusion and received approval from outside specialists in this area late last year, thus we will hold a press conference on this matter soon.

The Japan delegation led by Hakubun Shimomura, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, attended the ISEF hosted by the US Department of State in Washington DC on Jan. 9. I also participated as a member of the delegate committee. At the ISEF, I presented Japan's ideas on the following three points. 1) Importance of space probes, 2) Future space exploration based on knowledge acquired through the ISS project, and 3) International framework. In short, I appealed that, as a scientific and technological nation, it is important to acquire higher technology by maintaining our position in the frontline of the space exploration field and working together under a friendly rivalry with other nations. In addition, I emphasized the importance of the international framework at the policy level as space exploration is a long-term international activity.
At the ISEF, the US government announced its intention to continue its ISS operation till 2024. It was very significant that discussion at the policy level took place for internationally promoting space exploration. Especially, it was a remarkable achievement that we were able to confirm that we share the same intentions as the international society to conduct space exploration under international cooperation and to contribute to attain economic growth and an abundant society through space exploration.
I am keenly interested in one of the main discussion topics that the imperative factors for space exploration are international cooperation and competition-driven innovation. That reminded me of the importance of cooperation and competition which are inseparable.
Also, delegates from participating nations expressed their support for the International Space Exploration Coordination Group (ISECG) activities in which 14 space organizations are members and for the manned space exploration road map compiled by the ISECG. I think such expressed support was meaningful, and I took it positively that many countries' delegates commented that achievements reached by the ISS project are important steps for future space exploration activities.
The next meeting will be hosted by Japan. JAXA will provide technical support for the meeting. I heard that the US Dept. of State will reveal the ISEF result as a "Forum summary" soon.