Exploring the Moon's Future: JAXA's Special Talk Event in Osaka

On October 5, 2025, as the beautiful moon of mid-autumn approached, the third special talk session titled "Standing on the Moon. Beyond that," took place at the JAXA permanent exhibition booth at the Osaka-Kansai Expo. This event aimed to engage the public's interest in space and create a platform for discussions on the future of space exploration and humanity's role in it.

Event Overview

The highlight of this session was Japan’s development of the crewed lunar rover, known as the "Crewed Pressurized Rover," as part of the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon. Through this project, attendees explored their shared passion for lunar exploration and the future possibilities it presents. Additionally, this event marked the final occasion for gatherings at the JAXA exhibition, enhancing its significance.

The event had notable guests, including actors Miwa Shinoda and Yuki Anata from the "Space Theater," along with astronaut Takuyoshi Onishi from JAXA. Their participation brought an electric atmosphere filled with excitement and inspiration.

The First Part: Behind the Scenes of the Space Theater

The first part of the event started with a presentation by director and CG creator Hiromitsu Uesaka, who discussed the innovative visuals of the space-themed works featured in the "Space Theater." This immersive experience aimed to engage emotions, effectively conveying the vastness of space through stunning CG visuals, which sparked amazement among attendees.

As Uesaka introduced the surprise guests from the cast of the theater, the audience was thrilled to see Shinoda and Anata. They shared personal stories and insights about creating their performances, discussing how they portrayed humanity's challenges on the Moon.

Uesaka emphasized the essence of their storytelling, highlighting a keen desire for audiences to reflect on humanity's intrinsic curiosity through their lunar-themed narratives. His passion resonated with the audience, connecting the dreams of lunar exploration with the realities of current and future projects, including the Crewed Pressurized Rover.

The event reached its pinnacle when astronaut Takuyoshi Onishi made a surprise appearance, having just returned from space. The audience erupted in applause, captivated by the opportunity to hear firsthand experiences of living and working in space. Onishi recounted the stunning beauty of Earth from orbit and spoke about the significance of aiming for the Moon and beyond, igniting a wave of emotions among those present.

The Second Part: Shaping the Future of Lunar Missions

The second part of the session commenced with an engaging video presentation outlining the mission of the Crewed Pressurized Rover, designed to facilitate both habitation and mobility on the Moon. Uesaka encouraged dialogue with technical experts from JAXA, who are directly involved in the rover's development, including Seiji Kaneko, Naofumi Ikeda, Chihiro Nishiyama, and Yuta Kawai. They elaborated on Japan's vital role in the Artemis program and the rover’s mission as an "adaptive habitat" that will pave the way for future Mars exploration.

The engineers delved into technical challenges, such as creating a viable environment for human activities without space suits and ensuring sustainable exploration. They provided insights into the complexities of how the rover would navigate the Moon’s unique terrain, presenting a fascinating glimpse into the cutting-edge technologies being developed.

For the second part's climax, astronaut Onishi returned for a discussion about the rover's significance and the beauty observed from space. His heartfelt enthusiasm for the project was palpable as he expressed his desire to journey to the Moon with the rover team, inspiring attendees with his dedication.

During the Q&A session, the engagement of the audience was noteworthy, with children and adults alike asking curious questions about life in space and astronaut responsibilities. Their inquisitiveness reflected a growing interest in space exploration and the potential challenges ahead.

A Memorable Experience

One touching moment of the event occurred when a child, initially weary and disengaged, became riveted by the lunar visuals unfolding on the screen. By the session's end, he radiated joy and excitement, sharing how much he enjoyed the experience, encapsulating the power of space in stirring the spirit.

As the audience expressed gratitude for the event, a sense of hope and community fostered a unique bond between the presenters and participants, marking a significant milestone in fostering future curiosity and exploration.

In conclusion, the JAXA permanent exhibition at the Osaka-Kansai Expo serves as a vital platform for fostering interest in space. Attendees left with transformative experiences of their connection with the cosmos, and a new yearning to continue dreaming big in the field of space exploration. The legacy of this event, filled with gratitude and excitement, is sure to inspire future generations.

Acknowledgements

JAXA expresses deep appreciation to all who attended events at the permanent exhibitor booth, emphasizing the significance of shared curiosity about the universe and our human experience within it. The hope that blossoms from this engagement will surely encourage further explorations of space.