Pioneer Japanese astronaut Toyohiro Akiyama passes away at 84
Toyohiro Akiyama, Japan’s first space-flier and former TBS journalist, died at the age of 84, his family confirmed.
The Tokyo-born Akiyama, who became the first Japanese person to travel to space in December 1990, passed away at 84. He earned his astronaut slot through an internal selection by Tokyo Broadcasting System Television Inc. and spent time aboard the Russian Mir station, famously asking, “Am I on air?” before his flight. Akiyama began his career with TBS in 1966, covering politics and international affairs, and later led the network’s Washington bureau. He pursued the astronaut role after serving as an editor in the international affairs department.
Why it matters
His death closes the chapter on Japan’s first astronaut, a figure who linked media and space exploration.
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