A Young Surgeon and a Seasoned Disaster Specialist
Ayu Yoneda, a 29-year-old surgeon, and Makoto Suwa, a 47-year-old disaster risk management specialist, have officially become Japan's youngest and oldest astronauts, respectively. Their journey began in 2023 when JAXA, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, held its first open astronaut recruitment in over a decade. Facing fierce competition from a record-breaking 4,127 applicants, Yoneda and Suwa emerged victorious, joining the ranks of Japan's elite space explorers.
Both astronauts bring unique experiences and perspectives to the table. Yoneda, a former surgeon at the Japanese Red Cross Medical Center, hopes to inspire children with the wonders of space. Suwa, previously a senior disaster risk management specialist at the World Bank, aims to contribute to the ongoing advancements in space exploration.
Their journey has just begun. Yoneda and Suwa will continue their rigorous training, preparing for future space missions. The possibility of becoming the first Japanese astronauts to walk on the moon as part of NASA's Artemis program adds an exciting dimension to their aspirations.
With the addition of these two talented individuals, JAXA's astronaut corps now boasts 13 members, seven of whom are actively involved in space exploration. Yoneda and Suwa's journey embodies the spirit of exploration and the pursuit of knowledge, paving the way for a new era of human space exploration.