Promoting the appeal of Japan's skies Establishment of the "Space Tourism Promotion Council"

The founding general meeting of the Space Tourism Promotion Council was held on November 21 at Dentsu Inc.'s headquarters in Minato Ward, Tokyo. The council defines the collective term for the diverse charms of the sky, stars, and space as "Sora" (sky). Its activity goals include providing information and know-how to connect venues, consolidating and disseminating the appeal of "Sora," and expanding the market. Approximately 50 municipalities, organizations, companies, and universities are participating. The meeting announced the background of its establishment, future activity policies, and organizational structure. It also featured introductions of participating organizations followed by a discussion.

(Starry sky photo provided by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan)

Hidehiko Agata, representative of the council's preparatory committee (Director of the Outreach Office, Astronomy Information Center, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan), stated in his address, "Sora is something we look up to. By looking up, we can all become richer." He cited an example from Colombia where guerrillas who saw a planetarium show stopped committing crimes and resumed schooling, expressing his passion for Sora by saying, "Looking at the stars also contributes to world peace."

Kyōji Kuramochi, Director of the Tourism Resources Division at the Japan Tourism Agency, stated, "When we ask people overseas about Japan's appeal, the answers are limited, mostly Mount Fuji, Kyoto, and cherry blossoms. We want to add Japan's starry skies as a new attraction."

Former JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Naoko Yamazaki passionately stated, "My dream is to make space travel possible in Japan. I want us all to make this dream come true." She emphasized, "The U.S. already has ten commercial spaceports. Like airports, spaceports not only handle launches but also serve as hubs that promote regional development and become places for regional and human exchange. We want to advance their development in Japan too, linking Japan's space capabilities with education."

Moving forward, participating organizations will unite to actively build networks with local governments, universities and other educational/research institutions, voluntary groups promoting space-related activities, and experts, encouraging them to become members. The goal is to plan, develop, and implement new space tourism initiatives.

Makoto Arai of Dentsu Inc. Space Lab stated, "We want to promote a lifestyle that enjoys space."

Concrete activity plans for April next year and beyond are scheduled to be formulated by the end of January next year.

The group aims to conduct market research for market analysis, begin building a portal site, and incorporate as a general incorporated association by fiscal year 2020.