Official Logo Mark Selected for JAXA Asteroid Explorer "Hayabusa2" Support Campaign

Dentsu Inc. and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) have finalized the official logo mark ^{for the support campaign for} the asteroid probe "Hayabusa2" ^*, scheduled for launch on November 30, 2014.

This official logo mark uses numerous circles and rounded shapes to express approachability and a gentle appeal that resonates with a wide range of people, from adults to children, the elderly, and women. It also incorporates the keyword "NEXT JAPAN POWER," signifying the "unity" for Japan's future. Moving forward, the Hayabusa2 support campaign will be rolled out using this official logo mark.

Furthermore, Dentsu Inc. and JAXA formed the Hayabusa2 Support Campaign Executive Committee on September 1st of this year to recruit official supporters. The wildly popular children's character "Movie: Yo-kai Watch: The Secret of Birth, Meow!" has now been selected as the first official supporter.

The asteroid Hayabusa2 will explore is "1999 JU3," which orbits between Earth and Mars. This exploration and the research using the samples it brings back will be an endeavor to unravel Earth's past and approach the mystery of Earth's birth.

"Yōkai Watch: The Secret of Birth, Meow!" (released December 20, 2014) is also a story about searching for the secret of Yōkai Watch's birth, sharing the common goal of embarking on a journey to unravel the mystery of creation. With the support of the nationally beloved character "Yōkai Watch," Hayabusa2 will carry out this important project.

Moving forward, Dentsu Inc. and JAXA, through the Hayabusa2 Support Campaign Executive Committee, will continue inviting companies and organizations from various industries to participate as official supporters. They also plan to collaborate with industry partners to develop various campaign initiatives even after the launch.

*Hayabusa2 is an asteroid probe scheduled for launch on November 30, 2014. The main unit measures 1.25 meters in height, 1 meter in width, and 1.6 meters in depth, weighing approximately 600 kilograms. Its mission is to travel to the asteroid "1999 JU3" (a C-type asteroid), believed to contain water and organic matter in addition to minerals. By conducting scientific observations of its topography, internal structure, gravity, and other characteristics, and by returning material samples, it aims to acquire new intellectual assets for humanity that will help unravel the origins and evolutionary processes of the solar system, Earth, and life itself. Hayabusa2 is scheduled to return to Earth in 2020. Details are available at the URL below (on the JAXA website). http://fanfun.jaxa.jp/countdown/hayabusa2/index.html

The official Hayabusa2 support campaign site is http://hayabusa2020.jp /.

Jibanyan pays a courtesy visit to JAXA President Naoki Okumura

© Hayabusa2 Support Campaign Executive Committee ©LMYWP2014

Dentsu Inc. News Release
http://www.dentsu.co.jp/news/release/2014/1021-003850.html