Note: This website was automatically translated, so some terms or nuances may not be completely accurate.
A planetarium show themed around "au × HAKUTO MOON CHALLENGE" begins screening.
KDDI produced the planetarium work "au × HAKUTO Original Planetarium 'MOON'" to promote the project of "HAKUTO," the only Japanese team competing in the world's first lunar exploration race, the "Google Lunar XPRIZE." It began screening on December 16 at the Konica Minolta Planetarium "Tenku" in Tokyo Skytree Town, Sumida Ward (until May 14, 2017).
As an official partner, the company is responsible for advanced communication technologies, including ensuring communication and data transmission on the lunar surface.
On the 15th, the day before HAKUTO's public debut, a commemorative event was held at the planetarium. At the outset, HAKUTO representative Takeshi Hakamada explained the project overview. KDDI's Takaaki Yamada, Head of the Communications Division, stated, "We created this work to demonstrate our determination to challenge the race and to make the project known to many people. We are delighted to be able to screen it in this wonderful environment. We hope families will also feel a connection to the project."
The work was produced with the cooperation of Konica Minolta Planetarium. Daisuke Shimizu, the company's Content Producer, highlighted the work's key features: the moon's rarely seen expressions, "tourist spots" on the lunar surface, the countless stars spread across the night sky as seen from the moon, and the clear blue Earth. Actor Shota Matsuda, known for appearing in au's "Santaro Series" TV commercials, serves as the navigator. His calm voice guides viewers into the world of the moon. The theme song is provided by Sakanaction, the official ambassador for "au×HAKUTO MOON CHALLENGE." Their original instrumental piece "moon" enhances the feeling of "journey."
Guest Matsuda took the stage holding a lunar globe. He introduced his favorite scenes from the work and commented on the narration recording, stating, "The visuals were so stunning, I really got into it." When Shimizu remarked, "Hearing Matsuda-san's first take gave me goosebumps and made me confident in the project's success," Matsuda laughed and replied, "Getting praised like that gives me goosebumps too."
Representative Hakamada reported on the project's progress: assembly of the lunar exploration robot (rover) will be completed in February or March 2017. After various tests, it is scheduled to be transported to the lander around summer, indicating steady advancement. On stage, Matsuda and two others pressed the planetarium's start button, unveiling a short version of the work to the press. The finished product delivers a realistic "journey to the moon" experience.
Official Website: https://au-hakuto.jp/
Related articles:
・KDDI Collaborates with Private Lunar Exploration Team HAKUTO to Reach the Moon[2016.03.25]
・Design for Rover to Travel on the Moon's Surface Finally Decided! "au × HAKUTO MOON CHALLENGE"[2016.08.31]
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