Toyohiro Akiyama, Japan's first astronaut and former television journalist, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 84, confirmed a relative.
Akiyama made history in 1990 when he joined a Soviet mission to the Mir space station as part of an international crew, becoming the first Japanese citizen to travel to space. At the time, he was a reporter for broadcaster TBS, and his roughly eight-day flight was closely followed in Japan as a symbol of the growing space capabilities in Asia.
After returning to Earth, Akiyama remained active in the media, sharing his space experiences and inspiring younger generations. His death marks a significant loss for Japan's science and journalism communities, where he is remembered not only as a pioneer but also as a passionate storyteller of humanity's journey into space.
According to family sources, a private funeral will be held, and no details about the cause of death were immediately released. Japanese authorities and space organizations are expected to issue official condolences in the coming days.
