JAXA’s Oldest Astronaut Set for Long-Term Stay on ISS

Jan 12, 2026 | News On Japan

TOKYO - Osamu Suwa, an astronaut with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), is set to undertake his first long-term stay aboard the International Space Station, becoming the eighth Japanese astronaut to do so.

JAXA announced at a press conference on January 9th that Suwa, 49, is scheduled to remain on the ISS for around six months beginning in 2027. The mission will mark his debut long-duration assignment in orbit.

Suwa was certified as an astronaut in 2023 at the age of 47, making him the oldest individual ever selected as a JAXA astronaut at the time of qualification.

His primary responsibilities will include maintenance of ISS facilities, including Japan’s Kibo laboratory module, though Suwa said at the press conference that he hopes to fully enjoy every experience available during the mission, adding that he wants to “make the most of everything I can experience.”

Source: TBS

Research Map Shows Japan Faces Scorching Summers

Japan is likely to face increasingly long and dangerously hot summers as global temperatures continue to rise, with advanced climate simulations also pointing to more frequent torrential rain, rising seas and accelerating ice loss by the end of the century.

Japan Revises Imperial Law to Keep Married Women in Royal Family

Japan's revised Imperial House Law was enacted after clearing the House of Councillors with majority support, allowing female members to retain royal status after marriage and male-line descendants of former imperial family branches to enter the Imperial Household through adoption.

New Typhoon Likely to Form Far South of Japan

A tropical depression near the Truk Islands is expected to strengthen into a typhoon within 12 hours, but forecasters say it is unlikely to have any direct impact on Japan.

Protest Held Against Japan Flag Protection Bill

A protest against Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was held in Tokyo's Shibuya district on July 16 as public concern grew over a bill that would impose criminal penalties for damaging the Japanese flag.

Tobu Railway Introduces Walk-Through Facial Recognition

Tobu Railway has introduced walk-through facial recognition ticket gates at Ikebukuro and Kami-Itabashi stations on the Tobu Tojo Line, allowing registered commuters to enter without presenting a ticket or IC card.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Sci-Tech NEWS

Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Running at Record Pace, 179 Cases by End of May

Fires involving lithium-ion batteries, including those used in mobile battery packs, are occurring at a record pace in Japan this year, with 179 incidents reported by the end of May, according to the Tokyo Fire Department.

JAXA Successfully Lands Reusable Rocket Test Vehicle

JAXA successfully landed a small experimental vehicle for a reusable rocket on July 11, marking a step toward technology that could increase the frequency of space launches while helping reduce costs.

What Should Japan Do About Nuclear Waste?

Japan is facing renewed questions over how to secure electricity while dealing with mounting nuclear waste, as power demand is expected to rise with the spread of generative AI and the government considers replacing as many as five nuclear reactors by the 2040s.