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"Space Brothers," Kasumi Arimura, and others appointed as au × HAKUTO MOON CHALLENGE Ambassadors
KDDI held an ambassador appointment ceremony for the " au × HAKUTO MOON CHALLENGE," the world's first privately funded lunar exploration race, at Bellesalle Shiodome in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, on July 7. Actress Kasumi Arimura, talent Tomoe Shinohara, the popular manga "Space Brothers," and the popular rock band Sakanaction were appointed as ambassadors to support this challenge filled with dreams and hope.
The "au × HAKUTO MOON CHALLENGE" is a project involving Team HAKUTO—Japan's sole participant in the Google Lunar XPRIZE, an international race for private organizations to conduct unmanned lunar exploration—and au, which provides support in areas such as communication technology.
At the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Takaaki Yamada, Head of KDDI's Communications Division, and Mr. Takeshi Hakamada, Representative of HAKUTO, first appeared to explain the project overview. Mr. Hakamada stated, "The race missions include traveling over 500 meters from the landing site and transmitting high-resolution video and still images back to Earth. It's a difficult challenge, but au's support is absolutely crucial for us to succeed."
Next, ambassadors Arimura and Shinohara appeared in yukata attire, fitting for the Tanabata festival. Arimura, who portrays Princess Kaguya in au's "Santaro" commercial series and thus has a connection to the moon, expressed her enthusiasm: "This is a huge challenge, and I hope to contribute as an ambassador to help many people learn about it."
Shinohara, known as a "Space Girl" and holding titles like Starry Sky Sommelier and Starry Sky Doctor, passionately stated, "This project is generating tremendous buzz even among astronomy fans. Just the idea of a Japanese concept reaching the moon is thrilling. I hope Shinohara's power can also reach the moon and contribute to the project's success."
After a special visual by popular manga "Space Brothers" author Koyama Chūya was introduced, manga editor and Cork representative Sadojima Yōhei joined the conversation. Shinohara then shared an anecdote about how she once appeared in "Space Brothers" as a character modeled after herself. The venue erupted in laughter when Arimura, who had been advised by Shinohara that "if you ask nicely, you can appear [in the manga]," bowed to Sadoshima saying, "Please take care of me."
Following this, a video message from Sakanaction, who are performing the support song, was shown. Finally, in keeping with the Tanabata theme, all the panelists revealed tanzaku strips on which they had written their wishes. Their wishes were: "I want to go to the moon" (Arimura), "I want to design a spacesuit" (Shinohara), "Win the Google Lunar XPRIZE" (Hakamada), "Success for the au×HAKUTO MOON CHALLENGE" (Yamada), and "Create entertainment that excites people around the world simultaneously" (Sadoshima).
"au × HAKUTO MOON CHALLENGE" Official Website: http://au-hakuto.jp/
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