Reaching the stars with humility

In mid-January, Jaxa opened to the media a facility simulating the lunar surface in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, which was used for the final test to select new Japanese astronauts. — The Yomiuri Shimbun/ANN

ASTRONAUTS who explore the mysteries of space as representatives of humankind have always been popular. It is often said that they are a symbol of international harmony because their shared work and lives in space transcend nationality, gender and race as they tackle numerous challenges together.

Astronauts often rank high on Japanese children’s lists of “what I want to be in the future”. Manga about astronauts are also popular; the comic Space Brothers, featuring astronaut brothers Mutta and Hibito Namba, has sold more than 30 million copies, including electronic editions.