Japanese investors eye over $6.2 billion in SpaceX shares ahead of IPO, sources say

Japan, June 13 : Japanese investors reportedly showed exceptionally strong interest in SpaceX’s landmark initial public offering, seeking more than 1 trillion yen (around $6.2 billion) worth of shares, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The bulk of this demand is said to have come from retail investors, the sources noted, speaking on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to discuss the details publicly. Despite the high appetite, Japanese investors were ultimately allocated approximately $2.2 billion in shares, based on a recent filing.

The offering has been described as one of the most heavily oversubscribed IPOs in recent market history. Globally, the listing of Elon Musk-led SpaceX attracted about $250 billion in investor demand, even as the company raised $75 billion in what is now considered the world’s largest public offering.

Within Japan, Mizuho Securities USA, part of Mizuho Financial Group and the sole underwriter for Japanese allocations, declined to disclose overall subscription figures. However, a company spokesperson indicated that internal data showed strong retail participation, with more than 1,000 domestic clients applying for allocations exceeding 100 million yen, and some requests surpassing 10 billion yen.

Investor enthusiasm was also reflected in account activity, with new Mizuho Securities account openings in early June reportedly quadrupling compared to the previous year’s monthly average.

The IPO structure allowed up to 30% allocation for retail investors, an unusually high proportion in major global listings. Underwriters may further adjust allocations if additional shares are released through over-allotment options, typically exercised within 30 days of the offering.

Overall, the surge in Japanese participation highlights growing retail interest in high-profile global technology listings and underscores SpaceX’s expanding appeal among international investors.