Q. Would you like to go to space if you have a chance? If possible, what would you like to do there?
Q. What is the reaction of people around you towards space?
Space sometimes comes up in conversations with my family and friends. 2009 is the International Year of Astronomy, celebrating the 400th anniversary of the first space observation with a telescope, by Galileo. So my family and I have looked at the night sky together using a telescope that was the same size as Galileo's. When I talk with people around me about space, I always find that everyone had a yearning for space as a child. I have never met anyone who is indifferent to space, and people are usually excited to hear new things about it. I think that we on Earth always like feeling the presence of the universe.
Q. How do you think we can effectively promote Japan's space activities to the young generation?
In my opinion, the key to earning their interest is through participation. For instance, people across Japan got very excited when they learned that the recent eclipse could be observed in Japan for the first time in 46 years. The news even drew the attention of people who are not usually interested in eclipses. On July 22, it seemed like the event brought everybody together. I think this kind of sensation is very important.
When I heard that the ISS can be seen from the Earth's surface with the naked eye, it felt much closer, and it suddenly became real for me. So, to promote space activity successfully, I think it's important to think about how to deliver the information so it touches people's hearts.
Q. What are your expectations for JAXA's future?
I would like to see JAXA let us have a taste of the space experience. For example, it would be fun if, when a Japanese astronaut is in space, space foods were served at school lunch. Also, it would be very exciting if a Japanese astronaut took off to space in a Japanese rocket. I am sure that many children would be inspired by that.
When I heard that the ISS can be seen from the Earth's surface with the naked eye, it felt much closer, and it suddenly became real for me. So, to promote space activity successfully, I think it's important to think about how to deliver the information so it touches people's hearts.
Q. What are your expectations for JAXA's future?
I would like to see JAXA let us have a taste of the space experience. For example, it would be fun if, when a Japanese astronaut is in space, space foods were served at school lunch. Also, it would be very exciting if a Japanese astronaut took off to space in a Japanese rocket. I am sure that many children would be inspired by that.
Q. From the experience you gained through covering space, do you have a message you would like to pass on to children?
I would like children to have dreams. The universe is immense; its potential is limitless. I would like children to remember that. Children will have many dreams and go after them, and some of their dreams may not come true. But I want them to think about the immensity of the universe, and to remember that many other potential paths lie in front of them.
With the completion of the Japanese Experiment Module Kibo, we now have a house in space. I think this is wonderful. This expands the possibilities and opportunities for Japanese astronauts and other people in space-related fields. I hope that children who aspire to be astronauts will become the ones to expand the dreams of the Japanese people in the future.
Q. What have you gained through your coverage of this story?
What I strongly felt in my meetings with astronauts was their passion for spreading hope and contributing to the prosperity of people on Earth. For the benefit of people all over the planet, they are willing to risk their lives flying in space. They dream and set goals not just for themselves but for all humankind. I was very inspired by that, and am now hoping to be able to do the same by encouraging others to have hopes and dreams. Of course, it is important to try to achieve goals for yourself, but I also would like to think about and work on making others happy. If everyone starts thinking this way, the world would be a very happy and peaceful place.
With the completion of the Japanese Experiment Module Kibo, we now have a house in space. I think this is wonderful. This expands the possibilities and opportunities for Japanese astronauts and other people in space-related fields. I hope that children who aspire to be astronauts will become the ones to expand the dreams of the Japanese people in the future.
Q. What have you gained through your coverage of this story?
What I strongly felt in my meetings with astronauts was their passion for spreading hope and contributing to the prosperity of people on Earth. For the benefit of people all over the planet, they are willing to risk their lives flying in space. They dream and set goals not just for themselves but for all humankind. I was very inspired by that, and am now hoping to be able to do the same by encouraging others to have hopes and dreams. Of course, it is important to try to achieve goals for yourself, but I also would like to think about and work on making others happy. If everyone starts thinking this way, the world would be a very happy and peaceful place.
