Japan's Air Self-Defense Force says its space-related unit will set up a new office in a high-rise building in central Tokyo to exchange opinions with private sector companies.

ASDF officials say their "space cooperation" office will be set up on October 2 in a co-working space at Toranomon Hills Business Tower in Tokyo's Minato Ward.

The officials say the co-working space is used by private companies and research institutes including universities.

The officials say they want to obtain leading-edge information in the field of space and utilize the knowledge for what to procure in the future.

The ASDF plans to station several officers in what would be its first office located outside its premises.

The officials say the rent is 2.2 million yen, or more than 14,000 dollars, per month. They plan to rent the place for the "time being."

ASDF Chief of Staff Uchikura Hiroaki said his personnel used to make rounds to companies to seek information, but the co-working space will enable deeper engagement with outside experts.