https://spacenews.com/japan-launches-moon-lander-and-x-ray-observatory/
Japan launches moon lander and X-ray observatory Japan sent a new X-ray space telescope into low Earth orbit and a first, small lunar lander on its way to the moon with a single launch late Wednesday.
I'm pretty sure this has something to do with using the Moon as a jumping-off point to the rest of the solar system. Assuming we can get a functioning colony on the Moon, it will be significantly easier and cheaper to get to Mars and potentially other planets as well. This might just be something I heard from a friend of a friend though, so don't quote me on it.
so don't quote me on it.
It'll definitely help develop technology that'll be useful for outer solar system missions.
It doesn't make sense as a stop between the Earth and Mars. You have to slow down to enter orbit, then speed back up to leave it. That's a waste of fuel unless there's a good reason to stop there, like for fueling or assembly, but it makes more sense to do that in Earth orbit using distributed life.