Toyohiro Akiyama, 1st Japanese to go to space, dies at 84
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Toyohiro Akiyama, the first Japanese to fly into space and a former journalist, has died, a relative said Tuesday. He was 84.The Toky
Toyohiro Akiyama, the first Japanese individual to journey into space, has passed away at the age of 84, according to a relative who announced his death on Tuesday. Born in Tokyo, Akiyama embarked on his space odyssey through an internal screening process at Tokyo Broadcasting System Television Inc. Upon arriving at the Mir space station in December 1990, he made history with his first words uttered in space, "Am I on air?"
Akiyama's career in broadcasting began in 1966, where he covered politics and international affairs before assuming the role of head of the company's Washington bureau. It was after his tenure in journalism that he applied to become an astronaut. Following his return to Earth, Akiyama chose to step away from broadcasting, expressing a desire to focus on environmental issues and engage in agriculture.
He relocated to Fukushima Prefecture, where he dedicated himself to farming and continued his writing endeavors. In 2017, Akiyama made the move to Mie Prefecture. In 2011, he was appointed as a professor at what is now known as Kyoto University of the Arts.
Written by urgent.news from The Mainichi's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
