Former JAXA Astronaut Satoshi Furukawa Appointed as Special Professor at Kyorin University

Introduction

On April 1, 2026, Satoshi Furukawa, a former astronaut with JAXA, will take up the role of special professor at Kyorin University's Faculty of Medicine. His appointment marks a significant milestone as he shares his extensive experience in the international space community with the next generation of students.

Special Lecture on the First Day of School

During the entrance ceremony held on April 5, 2026, Furukawa delivered an impactful lecture aimed at inspiring the new cohorts of students. His presentation included engaging videos depicting his life and work aboard the International Space Station (ISS), emphasizing the invaluable lessons he learned during his time in space.

Furukawa shared an intriguing perspective on gravity, explaining how it is taken for granted on Earth but is a non-existent concept in space. He urged students to challenge the conventional wisdom and question the status quo. His words of encouragement to the new students were filled with optimism: “Your university years are a precious time filled with diverse experiences. Expand your horizons and embrace various challenges; I am here to support your endeavors.”

The Four Powers to Positively Impact Young Minds

As part of his commitment to education, Furukawa emphasized four essential skills that he hopes students will develop during their studies:

1. The Power to Continue Learning
Furukawa encourages lifelong learning, not limited to university years, but extending throughout one's life. He stresses that each student should discover and develop a personal learning style that works best for them.

2. The Ability to Think Independently
He emphasizes the importance of critical thinking. Rather than accepting information at face value, students should analyze and evaluate information, allowing them to make well-informed decisions, even in ambiguous situations.

3. Collaboration Skills
Furukawa highlights being able to lead as well as follow, depending on the situation. Effective teamwork is crucial, advocating for respectful debates over differing opinions while valuing personal relationships.

4. Resilience
Lastly, Furukawa encourages students to maintain a resilient attitude. He acknowledges that challenges and failures are part of growth, and urges them to learn from these experiences and continue pushing forward.

Despite his position within the Faculty of Medicine, Furukawa plans to create interdisciplinary learning opportunities, incorporating insights from health and social sciences into his teachings.

Background of Satoshi Furukawa

Education and Career Path

Furukawa was born in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, in 1964. He graduated from the University of Tokyo's Faculty of Medicine in 1989 and earned a doctorate in medicine from the same institution in 2000.

Furukawa joined the First Department of Surgery at the University of Tokyo Hospital in 1989 and was selected as a JAXA astronaut candidate in 1999. In 2011, he made his first flight to the ISS as a part of Expedition 28/29. During this mission, he conducted experiments at the Japanese module 'Kibo' and contributed to the maintenance of the ISS, including support for the last Space Shuttle mission, STS-135.

In 2023-2024, Furukawa will embark on his second mission to the ISS as part of Crew-7, conducting experiments aimed at enhancing life on Earth and strengthening technology necessary for crewed lunar exploration. His total duration in space has amounted to 366 days, 8 hours, and 34 minutes. Following his departure from JAXA in March 2026, he will assume his role as a special professor at Kyorin University in April 2026.

Conclusion

For students at Kyorin University, the appointment of Satoshi Furukawa signifies not only the addition of a knowledgeable educator but also an inspiring figure who embodies the spirit of exploration and intellectual curiosity. His dedication and experiences are set to influence future generations positively, providing them with the tools necessary to thrive in their personal and professional lives.