The Japanese infrared space missions in the past and the future are briefly summarized with some historical and strategic view points. Starting with simple ground based observations, we have been putting an emphasis on space missions with less affected by the poor Japanese climate conditions for infrared observations using balloons, rockets and satellites. Focusing on diffuse infrared emissions, which are favorably observable by small and simple instruments, we have succeeded in getting unique results of zodiacal light, Galactic and extragalactic emissions as well as the cosmic background radiation.