Kai Sugihara, CEO of Zero Industries Japan, a company developing laser power transmission for space, apologized on October 29 for a laser irradiation experiment conducted on a riverbank. He admitted that the experiment, filmed in May 2026, involved choosing a riverbank location, failing to obtain permission from authorities, and insufficient safety checks.
The company aims to transmit electricity generated in space to satellites via laser. In an October 24 post, Sugihara explained that for initial experiments, they modified a laser from an engineer's cutting machine and used it for power transmission tests. He added that the output was insufficient, leading him and the CTO to travel to Shenzhen, China, to procure laser diodes.
Footage of the riverbank experiment gained attention on X (formerly Twitter) in late October. Posts questioning the safety of the footage sparked criticism of the company and Sugihara's experimental methods.
In his apology, Sugihara stated that while two people were assigned to monitor the surroundings during the experiment, this measure was "extremely insufficient" for safety management. He explained that he takes full responsibility for the inadequate selection of the experiment location, lack of prior permission from river authorities, and insufficient safety checks.
The company is currently advancing safety measures and working on preventing recurrence through joint research with the Graduate School for the Creation of New Photonics Industries (GPI). Their funding and business plan, announced on October 22, also listed outdoor long-distance power transmission demonstrations and safety procedures for high-power lasers as research topics.
Report Regarding Laser Irradiation Experiment: We sincerely apologize for the laser irradiation experiment conducted on the riverbank. The footage currently circulating was filmed in May of this year. At the time of the experiment, two additional individuals were monitoring the surroundings. However, we recognize that even with such measures, our safety management was extremely insufficient. We deeply regret neglecting the selection of the experiment location, obtaining prior permission from authorities, and conducting sufficient safety checks. All responsibility for the decision and execution of this experiment lies with me. Please note that at the time, we had not yet entered into contracts with advisors or investors, and they were not involved in this experiment whatsoever. We kindly request that you refrain from criticizing those involved. While we are currently working on safety measures in collaboration with a graduate school, we take this feedback seriously and will strive to prevent recurrence and thoroughly implement safety management. We are truly sorry for this incident. Kai Sugihara, Representative Director, Zero Industries Japan Inc. — Kai Sugihara (@Kai_Sugihara) October 29, 2026
