NASA and Japanese Government sign the Implementing Arrangement concerning Lunar Surface Exploration using the Pressurized Rover

I am extremely pleased that the implementing agreement signed will encourage challenges in Japan’s field of expertise and promote human exploration to the Moon with international cooperation. I would like to express my appreciation to the parties involved.

Honored to be present at the historical signing of the Implementing Arrangement to develop & operate a Pressurized Rover on the lunar surface, plus 2 opportunities for Japanese astronauts to walk on the moon, with one being the first non-US. HUGE challenge ahead, but exciting!

I am truly delighted to hear that a historic agreement has been reached between the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and NASA. While various challenges accompany endeavors aimed at reaching the moon, I believe that through cooperation with many individuals and by making steady efforts step by step, we can overcome those challenges and achieve remarkable results that will go down in the annals of human history. The more challenging the mission, the more my heart leaps with excitement! Along with those who support us, I hope the next generation will be proud of what we accomplish and will feel honored and encouraged to dream even more and bigger!

I was born after the Apollo program ended, so I was not able to experience the landings on the moon in real time. When I speak to people who watched them, I’m always surprised at how clearly they remember their experiences viewing the landings even though it all happened decades ago.
More than 50 years have passed since then, and humanity is once again aiming for the moon. Japan's government and industries, especially the automobile industry, are working together to make a major contribution to the Artemis Program. I am very proud of this. As a member of the generation that was not able to experience the Apollo landings, I’m looking forward to working on my next spaceflight to polish my skills as an astronaut and I hope to be selected as one of the two Japanese astronauts landing on the moon!

I am truly delighted that a new chapter in human space flight is being opened with the collaborative effort between Japan and the United States. This historic project stands as a testament to the strong partnership and shared goals between our nations, offering hope for the future of space exploration. I am committed to doing my best to be a part of this endeavor and support its success. Let the excitement continue!

Japanese pressurized rover which enables sustainable activities on the lunar surface, Gateway's environmental control life support systems, along with astronauts. By putting Japanese technologies altogether and collaborating internationally with the United States and other countries, we are beginning to challenge a new frontier for humanity. Human activities on the lunar surface will expand dramatically, advancing science and inspiring children in Japan and around the world with dreams and courage. I am very pleased with this agreement and would like to express my gratitude to everyone who has made great efforts. With excitement for the bright future, I will continue my training, moving forward step by step and contributing as much as I can.

Japan's exploration beyond low Earth orbit began with the SELENE project and advanced further with the recent successful lunar landing of SLIM. We will continue our endeavors to reach for the stars with future planned missions such as the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX) and the Martian Moons Exploration (MMX), which will pave the way for manned pressurized rover missions on the Moon. As humanity aims for the Moon, Mars, and beyond, Japan is certainly ready to play its part. I feel truly honored to be part of the JAXA astronaut corps at this time, especially because our joint international efforts to expand the boundaries of possibility are not only for our generation but also for future generations to come.