Veteran Japanese journalist and astronaut Toyohiro Akiyama has passed away. Akiyama made history in 1990 when he boarded the Soyuz TM-11 mission to the Mir space station, becoming Japan's first journalist in space and the first-ever commercially-funded astronaut. After leaving Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS), Akiyama focused on promoting space education in Japan.

Space exploration is a matter of national pride in Japan, with Akiyama's journey having marked an early chapter in the country's space history. His death will stir emotional and nostalgic sentiments among Japanese citizens. In addition, given his later efforts to promote space education, Akiyama's passing may reignite discussions about the importance of space science in Japan's educational curriculum.

In the US, spaceships and astronauts are universally recognized symbols of national achievement. The death of notable astronauts, such as John Glenn, often reignites conversations about space exploration, its history, and future. The same phenomenon would occur over Akiyama's death in Japan.