JAXA Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

Space Poem Chain Volume 4

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has been composing a link of poems called "Space Poem Chain" every year for three years between 2006 and 2009. We would like to begin composing the fourth link, and your participation is welcomed.

As the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" has been completed, Japan's manned space activity era has started on a full scale. In addition to scientific and technological activities, JAXA would like to actively spur cultural and educational applications. As part of our efforts, we are conducting a composition of Space Poem Chains.
For three years between 2006 and 2009, many people participated in the space poem chain composition project including through school class activities and at a local planetarium. Consequently, space poem chain activities have gradually become well known to the world.

Today, we have revealed the first three poems of the Space Poem Chain Vol. 4 (please refer to Attachment-1) on our Space Poem Chain Website. We would like to ask people to compose a poem for the next volumes.

The first poem was written by Astronaut Sohichi Noguchi while he stayed at the International Space Station for a prolonged period of time. The second was by the poet Mizuki Misumi, while the third was also by a poet, Ryoko Shindo.

Under the supervision of Ryoko Shindo, we will compose a link of 24 poems by combining both contributed poems and selected ones from public entries (selection will be carried out by the poet Kiwao Nomura.) The Space Poem Chain Vol. 4 is slated to be completed on March 4 (Fri.,) 2011. The Poem Chain will be recorded on a DVD to be loaded onto the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" in Japan Fiscal Year 2011.

1. Period of composition
   Between October 6 (Wed.), 2010, through March 4 (Fri.), 2011
   For a more detailed schedule of the deadline for each poem, please refer to Attachment-2 (schedule.)
2. To enter
   Please go to the following Space Poem Chain website, and send your poem. To enter, please read through and agree on our application rules before participating in the event.
   Space Poem Chain website: http://iss.jaxa.jp/utiliz/renshi/index_e.html
3. Schedule
   Please refer to Attachment-2.

International Space Station (ISS) / Kibo Site