Latest news with #Mukai
The Mainichi
20-07-2025
- Science
- The Mainichi
Trailblazing Japanese astronauts inspire kids to reach for stars
KAMAKURA, Kanagawa (Kyodo) -- When Chiaki Mukai and Naoko Yamazaki, the only Japanese women to have traveled to space, first aspired to become astronauts, their goal seemed like an improbable dream. At the time, no Japanese had been to space. But the two were determined to blaze a trail for a younger generation, driven by an affection for space and a desire to see Earth from orbit. The National Space Development Agency of Japan, predecessor of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, selected the first group of Japanese astronauts including Mukai in 1985, and those pioneers inspired Yamazaki. Now, the two women are encouraging children to find their passion and take a bold step forward at a time when advanced technologies like artificial intelligence are rapidly changing the job market. "Once you find your passion, you need to believe in yourself and keep taking on challenges," Mukai, who became the first female Asian astronaut to go to space when she rode the Space Shuttle in 1994 and 1998, said at an exchange event open to the public at a girls' school near Tokyo. "Even if you don't have confidence, just try it. Confidence will eventually follow as you overcome failures," added Yamazaki. She and Soichi Noguchi became the first two Japanese astronauts in orbit together during a mission to the International Space Station in 2010. Kitakamakura Girls' School in Kanagawa Prefecture invited Mukai, 73, and Yamazaki, 54, to speak in June, to encourage children, especially young women, to expand their horizons while taking leadership roles in society, including the field of space exploration. Women have historically remained underrepresented in prominent space work and comprised only about 11 percent of the total astronauts worldwide, according to a recent report by the U.N. Office for Outer Space Affairs. Gender inequality is a long-standing issue in education and careers, in particular in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, the report points out. Women face significant barriers in Japan. The World Economic Forum's 2025 Global Gender Gap Report ranks Japan 118th out of 148 countries, unchanged from 2024 and the lowest rank in the Group of Seven countries. The two pioneering women emphasized that being an astronaut is a gender-neutral occupation, and women are physically and mentally as capable as men in carrying out space missions. "I think it is just an individual trait like age, nationality and cultural background," Yamazaki said in an interview before the event, underscoring the fact that she had undergone training missions with men before going to space. An aerospace engineer, Yamazaki used the ISS's robotic arm to transfer cargo from the Space Shuttle Discovery to the ISS in 2010. She spoke about the diverse expertise of astronauts and the career paths they take. Mukai, a doctor who conducted various life science and space medicine experiments during her missions, said her medical background helped her assess how the human body adapts to new environments. She thinks this will help determine the kinds of technology needed for sending humans back to the Moon and eventually to Mars. Several hundred children attended the event, many peppering Mukai and Yamazaki with questions. Karin Hata, a 13-year-old girl from Yokohama, said, "The most memorable lesson I learned was the importance of challenging myself." "I was delighted to see so many children raise their hands," said Ichiro Fujisaki, chancellor of the school and former Japanese ambassador to the United States. When Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and U.S. President Donald Trump met in February, they agreed to "continue their strong partnership in civil space and on aeronautics, science, and human exploration," including lunar surface exploration on future Artemis missions. Amid a renewed space race between the United States and China, Washington wants to beat Beijing in getting to the Moon and sending the first human to Mars. Two Japanese astronauts are expected to land on the Moon under the U.S.-led Artemis program, which would be the first crewed Moon mission since Apollo 17 in 1972, but NASA also faces the challenge of a $6 billion budget cut proposed by the Trump administration, which aims to streamline lower priority and unaffordable missions. (By Takaki Tominaga)
Kyodo News
14-07-2025
- Science
- Kyodo News
FEATURE: Trailblazing Japanese astronauts inspire kids to reach for stars
KAMAKURA, Japan - When Chiaki Mukai and Naoko Yamazaki, the only Japanese women to have traveled to space, first aspired to become astronauts, their goal seemed like an improbable dream. At the time, no Japanese had been to space. But the two were determined to blaze a trail for a younger generation, driven by an affection for space and a desire to see Earth from orbit. The National Space Development Agency of Japan, predecessor of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, selected the first group of Japanese astronauts including Mukai in 1985, and those pioneers inspired Yamazaki. Now, the two women are encouraging children to find their passion and take a bold step forward at a time when advanced technologies like artificial intelligence are rapidly changing the job market. "Once you find your passion, you need to believe in yourself and keep taking on challenges," Mukai, who became the first female Asian astronaut to go to space when she rode the Space Shuttle in 1994 and 1998, said at an exchange event open to the public at a girls' school near Tokyo. "Even if you don't have confidence, just try it. Confidence will eventually follow as you overcome failures," added Yamazaki. She and Soichi Noguchi became the first two Japanese astronauts in orbit together during a mission to the International Space Station in 2010. Kitakamakura Girls' School in Kanagawa Prefecture invited Mukai, 73, and Yamazaki, 54, to speak in June, to encourage children, especially young women, to expand their horizons while taking leadership roles in society, including the field of space exploration. Women have historically remained underrepresented in prominent space work and comprised only about 11 percent of the total astronauts worldwide, according to a recent report by the U.N. Office for Outer Space Affairs. Gender inequality is a long-standing issue in education and careers, in particular in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, the report points out. Women face significant barriers in Japan. The World Economic Forum's 2025 Global Gender Gap Report ranks Japan 118th out of 148 countries, unchanged from 2024 and the lowest rank in the Group of Seven countries. The two pioneering women emphasized that being an astronaut is a gender-neutral occupation, and women are physically and mentally as capable as men in carrying out space missions. "I think it is just an individual trait like age, nationality and cultural background," Yamazaki said in an interview before the event, underscoring the fact that she had undergone training missions with men before going to space. An aerospace engineer, Yamazaki used the ISS's robotic arm to transfer cargo from the Space Shuttle Discovery to the ISS in 2010. She spoke about the diverse expertise of astronauts and the career paths they take. Mukai, a doctor who conducted various life science and space medicine experiments during her missions, said her medical background helped her assess how the human body adapts to new environments. She thinks this will help determine the kinds of technology needed for sending humans back to the Moon and eventually to Mars. Several hundred children attended the event, many peppering Mukai and Yamazaki with questions. Karin Hata, a 13-year-old girl from Yokohama, said, "The most memorable lesson I learned was the importance of challenging myself." "I was delighted to see so many children raise their hands," said Ichiro Fujisaki, chancellor of the school and former Japanese ambassador to the United States. When Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and U.S. President Donald Trump met in February, they agreed to "continue their strong partnership in civil space and on aeronautics, science, and human exploration," including lunar surface exploration on future Artemis missions. Amid a renewed space race between the United States and China, Washington wants to beat Beijing in getting to the Moon and sending the first human to Mars. Two Japanese astronauts are expected to land on the Moon under the U.S.-led Artemis program, which would be the first crewed Moon mission since Apollo 17 in 1972, but NASA also faces the challenge of a $6 billion budget cut proposed by the Trump administration, which aims to streamline lower priority and unaffordable missions.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Alaska Legislature approves $5.5 million for child advocacy centers, fills federal funding shortfall
The Alaska and American flags fly in front of the Alaska State Capitol on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon) The Alaska Legislature has approved state funding for child advocacy centers, which support child victims of physical and sexual abuse. Alaska's 20 centers were in limbo, facing a $5.5 million shortfall after federal grants were ended or cut, as well as uncertainty over whether operations and services would continue past June. On Friday afternoon, the budget conference committee – tasked with hammering out the final budget between the House and Senate versions – approved the funds to fill the gap and provide $5.5 million in state funding. Rep. Andy Jospephson, D-Anchorage and chair of the committee, said it was made clear that funding for the centers was a priority. 'They're critically important, and they rose to the very, very top of my list,' he said. 'In other words, there was no ask, given their financial predicament and importance, that I thought was more significant.' Mari Mukai, executive director of the nonprofit Alaska Children's Alliance, said she was grateful for the funding. The alliance provides support, training and technical assistance to Alaska's 20 child advocacy centers around the state. 'I know what a difficult fiscal situation we're in right now and understand that many difficult decisions needed to be made,' she said in a phone interview on Monday. Child advocacy centers provide services for children and their caregivers after suspected physical or sexual abuse, including trauma-informed interviewing, forensic services, streamlined investigations, and victim advocacy through the life of the case. They served 2,061 families statewide last year, Mukai said. The centers are funded at $10.9 million through a mix of federal and local grants, as well as other funding they raise. Mukai said the state's backstop funding will make up about half of their budget, and enable the centers to continue current operations and services. 'Unfortunately, Alaska is consistently on the top of the nation for rates of child abuse and violence, and domestic violence, and so unfortunately, yes, I do think that there's still a lot of need, but this would be a great first step,' she said. The Alaska Legislature voted to approve the final operating budget on Tuesday, and Gov. Mike Dunleavy will issue budget vetoes of individual line items before July 1. Mukai added that another federal grant the centers rely on is in danger – the Victims of Crime Act, provided by the U.S. Department of Justice through penalties related to crimes. Alaska advocates are urging the congressional delegation to push the U.S. Congress to protect this funding, as the Trump administration has moved to cancel hundreds of grants and millions of dollars supporting victims services through the Department of Justice. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Japan Today
20-05-2025
- Business
- Japan Today
Rakuten to support Ukrainian startups with Kyiv gov't institution
Japanese online shopping giant Rakuten Group Inc said Tuesday it will join hands with a Ukrainian government institution to support the country's defense startups. To facilitate the startups' entry into the Japanese market, Rakuten will help the institution, Brave1, showcase the startups' technologies and products at DSEI Japan, a defense and security trade show, opening Wednesday, it said. "We want to engage in communication that can stimulate Japan's defense industry so that it will lead to support for Ukrainian startups and contribute to their growth," said Rakuten Executive Officer Hideaki Mukai at the press conference in Tokyo. Mukai, however, said Rakuten "will not enter the defense industry right away." Brave1 CEO Nataliia Kushnerska called Rakuten a "unique, great partner to cooperate with" to help the "Ukrainian ecosystem and society to be a part of the Japan market." Rakuten is known for its support for Ukraine as the country fights a war against Russia, providing a messaging app and building an office in Kyiv. © KYODO
Kuwait Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Japan invites Kuwaiti entrepreneurs to explore investment opportunities
Envoy highlights potential for business growth at Japan-Kuwait Business Diwaniya KUWAIT: Kuwaiti entrepreneurs and investors are encouraged to explore business opportunities in Japan, said Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Mukai Kenichiro on Sunday, ahead of the 'Japan-Kuwait Business Diwaniya.' Speaking to KUNA, Ambassador Mukai expressed Japan's openness to Kuwaiti business ventures, particularly through supportive visa schemes for foreign entrepreneurs, such as those available in the city of Fukuoka. 'This is a good opportunity for Kuwaiti entrepreneurs to start businesses in Japan,' he stated. The ambassador noted that Kuwaiti cuisine received positive feedback from Japanese visitors during the ongoing Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai. 'This could create an opening for Kuwaiti entrepreneurs to consider launching ventures in Japan—not only in cuisine but in broader cultural sectors as well,' he added. Touching on broader economic ties, Ambassador Mukai affirmed the strength of Kuwaiti-Japanese relations. 'Our business and trade ties continue to grow, particularly as Kuwait plays a critical role in Japan's energy security through its supply of crude oil,' he remarked. Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Mukai Kenichiro Al-Sayer Group CEO Mubarak Al-Sayer During his remarks at the Diwaniya, the ambassador encouraged Kuwaiti companies to consider investments in Japanese sectors, especially in advanced technology. He highlighted such cooperation as essential in supporting Kuwait's efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in the oil sector by 2050. Ambassador Mukai also noted that the Diwaniya serves as a platform to revitalize the 'Japan-Kuwait Business Committee,' praising the role of major Japanese firms—including Mitsubishi, Toshiba, JERA, and others—for their contributions to vital infrastructure projects in Kuwait such as Al-Subiya, Al-Zour, and Doha power plants. He further revealed ongoing discussions between the two countries aimed at forging a bilateral agreement for unique culinary collaborations. For his part, Mubarak Al-Sayer, CEO of Al-Sayer Group, emphasized the company's longstanding role as a commercial bridge between Japan and Kuwait through its extensive importation of Japanese goods and brands. He called for greater support from the Japanese government to enhance cooperation across trade, education, industry, and healthcare. Al-Sayer also highlighted the potential benefits of Japanese expertise in helping Kuwait address environmental and urban development challenges through technological collaboration, paving the way for a sustainable future. He concluded by urging the Japanese government to consider granting visas on arrival for Kuwaiti citizens, a step he said would significantly boost bilateral ties. — KUNA
