Toyohiro Akiyama, the ‘First Antihero in Space,’ Dies at 84

Toyohiro Akiyama, a former TV journalist and university lecturer, passed away on August 26 at the age of 84 due to lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Born in 1938, Akiyama was the first Japanese individual to venture into space in 1990, a feat achieved through a collaboration between TBS and the Soviet Union. Standing in stark contrast to the typical astronaut archetype, Akiyama's path to space was unconventional and marked by personal sacrifices.

Before his historic mission aboard the Soyuz TM-11 spacecraft, Akiyama had no background in science or engineering. In fact, he was a chain smoker with no prior experience in space travel. His selection was driven by TBS's desire to generate buzz and boost ratings, resulting in an application process that garnered over 150 responses.

Akiyama was chosen alongside Ryoko Kikuchi, who would serve as a backup crew member until a week before launch when she fell ill. To prepare for the mission, Akiyama lost more than 15 kilograms and quit his four-pack-a-day cigarette habit.

During the spaceflight, Akiyama's unique broadcasts became a cultural phenomenon, earning him the nickname "the first antihero in space." Unlike traditional space missions, his daily reports featured a raw and unpolished style, reflecting his irreverent attitude. Upon returning to Earth, his broadcasts captivated audiences, and Akiyama became a familiar face within Japan's space history.