"Let's enjoy! From the sky above us to the space beyond" Talk show at Tourism EXPO Japan 2018

The world's largest travel festival, "Tourism EXPO Japan 2018," attracting approximately 200,000 visitors, was held at Tokyo Big Sight in Koto Ward from September 20 to 23.

On September 22, the first day open to the public, a talk show titled "Enjoy! From the Sky Above to the Space Beyond" was held on the venue stage, hosted by the Space Tourism Promotion Council. Established in 2017, this council aims to provide various information and services related to the appeal of space, referred to as "Sora" (sky), encompassing activities like gazing at the sky and traveling to space.

Eight speakers, including founder and representative Hidehiko Agata and former JAXA astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, took the stage to share their perspectives on the appeal of space.

At the outset, Makoto Arai of Dentsu Inc. Space Lab stated, "We want to view the sky as a tourism resource, encompassing everything from celestial bodies and sunrises we gaze upon to places we actually visit. We aim to build networks with various municipalities and invigorate this field."

Yamazaki mentioned the "Golden Record" carried aboard the Voyager probes launched in the 1970s, noting, "It contains a map indicating the location of our solar system within the universe. Voyager has already journeyed beyond our solar system, and someday, when it encounters life in space, it will show them Earth's location. I believe this represents the ultimate space tourism. Holding this grand vision, I imagine the day when humanity expands its sphere of activity into space." He spoke about the appeal of spaceflight, sharing photos and experiences from his 2010 trip to space.

Hiroyuki Ida of Tottori Prefecture, promoting the region under the slogan "Tottori: Prefecture of Stars," passionately explained how Tottori became the first prefectural government to enact an ordinance protecting its beautiful starry skies while investing in tourism and education.

Then, Mr. Agata, who serves as a tourism ambassador for his hometown of Omachi City in Nagano Prefecture, interjected: "Nagano Prefecture uses 'Space Prefecture' as its slogan, so we have a bit of rivalry with Tottori Prefecture." He highlighted Nagano's prefecture-wide efforts. While the two engaged in a lively verbal exchange, they ultimately praised both "Star-Taking Prefecture" and "Space Prefecture," energizing the venue.

Mr. Osamu Nakajima of Japan Travel introduced ways to enjoy rocket launch tourism tours, commenting, "While men tend to be interested in the launches, it's often women who are moved to tears on-site. Actually, tonight (September 23rd), at 2:52:27 AM, a rocket will launch from the Tanegashima Space Center, so please stay up late and cheer them on while watching JAXA's live broadcast." Many attendees nodded in agreement, showing keen interest.

The "Space Tourism Promotion Council" also had a booth at the "Tourism EXPO Japan 2018" venue. It featured various exhibition materials, a virtual space experience corner using VR goggles, and a replica spacesuit made with the same outer fabric as the real thing, attracting significant popularity.