THE WORLD IS celebrating the “historic” mission of UK billionaire Richard Branson, who is painted as the “first space tourist” and “pioneer” of commercial space tourism.
But people in Asia may remember a mushroom farmer, a rocket covered in advertising logos, and the story of the world’s real “first space tourist”.
It’s a tale worth telling.
His name was Toyohiro Akiyama
Thirty years ago, Toyohiro Akiyama was a reporter working for a TV station called TBS (Tokyo Broadcasting System). His bosses decided to pay cash to the Russians to fly their staff member to a space station as a ratings-booster.
It was 1990. Japan was super-wealthy in those days and his company decided it could afford to blow a few million dollars on such a stunt.
The trip to space would be the first commercial spaceflight in history, so the “look and feel” of the operation was unusual. The outer casing of the lower parts and the Soyuz booster carried advertisements for Sony, Unicharm, and Otsuka Pharmaceutical. (See picture below.)
The rocket carried several advertisements, plus the Japanese and Russian flags
Akiyama himself was also not like your run-of-the-mill astronaut or cosmonaut. He was not a military man or a scientist or an engineer. He was a four-pack-a-day chain smoking “greenie” journalist whose favorite topic of conversation was the coming environmental doom of our planet. What he really wanted to do was farm mushrooms in the remote countryside somewhere.
Space mission leaders refused to let him to take his cigarettes to space but did allow him to take a box of frogs.
Toyohiro Ayakima was sometimes known as the “anti-astronaut” because he was so unlike the others.
When asked about what he most looked forward to when he eventually returned to earth, he did not mention his wife, children, or employer. He said: “I can’t wait to have a smoke.”
The mission was a success. He spent seven days at the space station, quietly making history.
The operation was the first spaceflight ever to be commercially sponsored and funded. He was the first civilian to take a paid, commercial flight to space.
And let’s be clear – this was no visit for a few minutes to the top of the atmosphere – the station was in black, star-studded orbital space, and he stayed for a week.
Space in the internal areas of the Mir space stations was tight
Linked by radio to earth, he proved himself to be a typical Asian parent. He used his radio air-time to express his fears that his children may spend too much time watching television while he was away. “Please tell Ken-ken and Naoko to study,” he said.
He was grateful to return home.
Back safely on his beloved earth, he found himself unhappy and restless as a reporter. Journalism had been set adrift from its noble founding principles by modern commercialism, he said.
He retired from the TV news business in 1995, and announced that he was going to set up an organic mushroom farm and paddy field in Fukushima Prefecture.
His wife Kyoko left him.
For years, he apparently found happiness.
He set up a farm, growing mushrooms and operating rice paddy fields: Picture: Phoenix Han/ Unsplash
But the world of futuristic technology with which Toyohiro Akiyama had briefly interacted won in the end.
The Fukushima nuclear plant had a meltdown in 2011 and he was forced to abandon his farm.
And, like many pioneers from the eastern side of the world, his story has now been almost entirely forgotten.
* * *
Pictures mostly from historical sources except where mentioned. Main pic shows the Mir space station photographed by NASA
162 Comments
Brianagepe
acquistare farmaci senza ricetta: Farma Prodotti – farmacia online senza ricetta
farmacie online sicure
Clintmup
https://farmasilditaly.shop/# viagra 50 mg prezzo in farmacia
farmacie online autorizzate elenco
EdwardDip
acquisto farmaci con ricetta: Farma Prodotti – acquisto farmaci con ricetta
DavidSar
https://phtaya.tech/# Entertainment shows are common in casinos.
Players enjoy both fun and excitement in casinos.
PatrickMok
Cashless gaming options are becoming popular.: taya777 – taya777 register login
LannyAbams
Players can enjoy high-stakes betting options.: phtaya login – phtaya.tech
WilliamCes
The ambiance is designed to excite players. http://phtaya.tech/# Casinos often host special holiday promotions.
PatrickMok
Players often share tips and strategies.: phmacao com login – phmacao.life
DavidSar
http://taya365.art/# High rollers receive exclusive treatment and bonuses.
Players must be at least 21 years old.
LannyAbams
Los casinos ofrecen entretenimiento en vivo.: win chile – winchile casino
WilliamCes
Gaming regulations are overseen by PAGCOR. https://phtaya.tech/# Slot tournaments create friendly competitions among players.
DavidSar
http://phmacao.life/# Players must be at least 21 years old.
п»їCasinos in the Philippines are highly popular.
PatrickMok
The gaming floors are always bustling with excitement.: taya365 – taya365.art
LannyAbams
Slot machines feature various exciting themes.: taya777 – taya777 app
WilliamCes
Players enjoy both fun and excitement in casinos. https://taya365.art/# Entertainment shows are common in casinos.
DavidSar
http://winchile.pro/# Las experiencias son Гєnicas en cada visita.
Players often share tips and strategies.
Josephdak
taya777 [url=http://taya777.icu/#]taya777 login[/url] Live dealer games enhance the casino experience.
PatrickMok
Casinos offer delicious dining options on-site.: phmacao.life – phmacao com
LannyAbams
Game rules can vary between casinos.: taya777 – taya777 app
WilliamCes
Gambling can be a social activity here. https://winchile.pro/# Los casinos celebran festivales de juego anualmente.
DavidSar
http://taya365.art/# Casino visits are a popular tourist attraction.
Players enjoy both fun and excitement in casinos.
PatrickMok
Las promociones atraen nuevos jugadores diariamente.: win chile – winchile
LannyAbams
La Г©tica del juego es esencial.: winchile.pro – winchile
DavidSar
http://winchile.pro/# Las tragamonedas ofrecen grandes premios.
The poker community is very active here.
WilliamCes
Security measures ensure a safe environment. https://taya777.icu/# Live dealer games enhance the casino experience.
Josephdak
phmacao com login [url=https://phmacao.life/#]phmacao club[/url] Players enjoy both fun and excitement in casinos.
DavidSar
https://phtaya.tech/# Many casinos have beautiful ocean views.
Casino promotions draw in new players frequently.
LannyAbams
La mГєsica acompaГ±a la experiencia de juego.: winchile.pro – win chile
WilliamCes
A variety of gaming options cater to everyone. https://taya777.icu/# Many casinos offer luxurious amenities and services.
DavidSar
http://taya365.art/# Some casinos feature themed gaming areas.
Gambling regulations are strictly enforced in casinos.
PatrickMok
Gaming regulations are overseen by PAGCOR.: phmacao club – phmacao com login
LannyAbams
Players must be at least 21 years old.: phtaya login – phtaya
Josephdak
winchile [url=http://winchile.pro/#]win chile[/url] Las apuestas deportivas tambiГ©n son populares.
WilliamCes
Slot machines feature various exciting themes. https://phmacao.life/# High rollers receive exclusive treatment and bonuses.
DavidSar
http://phmacao.life/# The casino atmosphere is thrilling and energetic.
Many casinos offer luxurious amenities and services.
PatrickMok
Players enjoy both fun and excitement in casinos.: taya777.icu – taya777 register login
LannyAbams
Los casinos reciben turistas de todo el mundo.: win chile – winchile casino
DavidSar
https://phtaya.tech/# Players enjoy both fun and excitement in casinos.
Cashless gaming options are becoming popular.
WilliamCes
The Philippines has several world-class integrated resorts. https://taya777.icu/# Players enjoy a variety of table games.
Josephdak
phmacao com login [url=https://phmacao.life/#]phmacao casino[/url] Visitors come from around the world to play.
LannyAbams
Las mГЎquinas tragamonedas tienen temГЎticas diversas.: winchile – winchile
PatrickMok
Slot machines attract players with big jackpots.: phmacao.life – phmacao com login
DavidSar
https://winchile.pro/# Es comГєn ver jugadores sociales en mesas.
Casinos often host special holiday promotions.
WilliamCes
Resorts provide both gaming and relaxation options. https://taya365.art/# The thrill of winning keeps players engaged.
DavidSar
http://taya777.icu/# Many casinos host charity events and fundraisers.
The Philippines offers a rich gaming culture.
LannyAbams
The casino industry supports local economies significantly.: taya365 login – taya365.art
PatrickMok
The gaming floors are always bustling with excitement.: phmacao club – phmacao club
DavidSar
https://winchile.pro/# Muchos casinos ofrecen restaurantes y bares.
Cashless gaming options are becoming popular.
LannyAbams
Los casinos organizan noches de trivia divertidas.: jugabet chile – jugabet.xyz
PatrickMok
Most casinos offer convenient transportation options.: taya365 com login – taya365
DavidSar
https://taya777.icu/# п»їCasinos in the Philippines are highly popular.
Casinos offer delicious dining options on-site.
LannyAbams
Entertainment shows are common in casinos.: phmacao – phmacao
PatrickMok
Players enjoy both fun and excitement in casinos.: taya777.icu – taya777 app
DavidSar
https://jugabet.xyz/# Los casinos son lugares de reuniГіn social.
Casinos often host special holiday promotions.
WilliamCes
The Philippines has several world-class integrated resorts. http://taya777.icu/# Many casinos host charity events and fundraisers.
Josephdak
phmacao club [url=http://phmacao.life/#]phmacao[/url] Entertainment shows are common in casinos.
LannyAbams
Players can enjoy high-stakes betting options.: taya365 login – taya365 com login
DavidSar
http://taya365.art/# High rollers receive exclusive treatment and bonuses.
Casinos often host special holiday promotions.
PatrickMok
Gaming regulations are overseen by PAGCOR.: phmacao.life – phmacao
LannyAbams
The casino experience is memorable and unique.: taya777 register login – taya777 register login
DavidSar
https://phtaya.tech/# The Philippines has several world-class integrated resorts.
The Philippines has a vibrant nightlife scene.
PatrickMok
Las ganancias son una gran motivaciГіn.: winchile casino – win chile
Josephdak
taya365 login [url=https://taya365.art/#]taya365 login[/url] The gaming floors are always bustling with excitement.
DavidSar
http://taya365.art/# Slot machines attract players with big jackpots.
Visitors come from around the world to play.
LannyAbams
The casino atmosphere is thrilling and energetic.: phtaya – phtaya.tech
PatrickMok
Muchos casinos ofrecen restaurantes y bares.: winchile – winchile.pro
DavidSar
http://phtaya.tech/# Security measures ensure a safe environment.
Security measures ensure a safe environment.
LannyAbams
Some casinos feature themed gaming areas.: phtaya – phtaya casino
DavidSar
http://taya365.art/# Promotions are advertised through social media channels.
Security measures ensure a safe environment.
PatrickMok
Some casinos have luxurious spa facilities.: taya777 login – taya777 register login
Josephdak
phtaya login [url=http://phtaya.tech/#]phtaya casino[/url] The Philippines has a vibrant nightlife scene.
WilliamCes
Slot machines feature various exciting themes. http://phmacao.life/# The casino atmosphere is thrilling and energetic.
LannyAbams
The ambiance is designed to excite players.: phmacao com – phmacao
DavidSar
http://winchile.pro/# La mayorГa acepta monedas locales y extranjeras.
Gambling can be a social activity here.
PatrickMok
Los casinos organizan eventos especiales regularmente.: winchile.pro – winchile.pro
LannyAbams
Online gaming is also growing in popularity.: taya365 login – taya365
DavidSar
https://winchile.pro/# Los casinos organizan noches de trivia divertidas.
The gaming floors are always bustling with excitement.
Josephdak
win chile [url=http://winchile.pro/#]winchile[/url] Los juegos de mesa son clГЎsicos eternos.
PatrickMok
Las ganancias son una gran motivaciГіn.: winchile.pro – winchile.pro
DavidSar
https://phtaya.tech/# Slot machines feature various exciting themes.
Slot tournaments create friendly competitions among players.
WilliamCes
The Philippines offers a rich gaming culture. https://phmacao.life/# Live music events often accompany gaming nights.
LannyAbams
Los casinos garantizan una experiencia de calidad.: winchile.pro – win chile
PatrickMok
Casinos offer delicious dining options on-site.: taya365 login – taya365.art
DavidSar
https://jugabet.xyz/# Las mГЎquinas tragamonedas tienen temГЎticas diversas.
The poker community is very active here.
LannyAbams
The ambiance is designed to excite players.: phtaya casino – phtaya login
DavidSar
http://phtaya.tech/# Promotions are advertised through social media channels.
Slot machines attract players with big jackpots.
Josephdak
taya365 [url=http://taya365.art/#]taya365 com login[/url] Some casinos feature themed gaming areas.
PatrickMok
Los casinos organizan eventos especiales regularmente.: winchile.pro – winchile
Porterton
cheapest pharmacy to get prescriptions filled [url=https://familypharmacy.company/#]family pharmacy[/url] Cheapest online pharmacy
Michaelfug
international pharmacy no prescription https://discountdrugmart.pro/# discount drug mart
CharlesBaw
canadian pharmacy no prescription http://familypharmacy.company/# online pharmacy delivery usa
Davidkek
xxl mexican pharm: xxl mexican pharm – xxl mexican pharm
Willieked
xxl mexican pharm: xxl mexican pharm – mexican mail order pharmacies
Michaelfug
cheapest pharmacy to fill prescriptions without insurance http://megaindiapharm.com/# Mega India Pharm
CharlesBaw
cheapest pharmacy for prescriptions without insurance http://familypharmacy.company/# Best online pharmacy
Michaelfug
cheapest pharmacy for prescriptions without insurance https://discountdrugmart.pro/# drug mart
Davidkek
xxl mexican pharm: xxl mexican pharm – xxl mexican pharm
Porterton
easy canadian pharm [url=https://easycanadianpharm.com/#]easy canadian pharm[/url] easy canadian pharm
Willieked
family pharmacy: Best online pharmacy – family pharmacy
CharlesBaw
cheapest pharmacy to fill prescriptions with insurance http://xxlmexicanpharm.com/# xxl mexican pharm
Michaelfug
promo code for canadian pharmacy meds http://easycanadianpharm.com/# canadian pharmacy checker
Davidkek
family pharmacy: Cheapest online pharmacy – online pharmacy delivery usa
Willieked
easy canadian pharm: canadian pharmacy ltd – canada pharmacy world
Michaelfug
cheapest pharmacy to fill prescriptions with insurance https://megaindiapharm.com/# Mega India Pharm
CharlesBaw
online pharmacy discount code http://discountdrugmart.pro/# international pharmacy no prescription
Porterton
best india pharmacy [url=https://megaindiapharm.shop/#]Online medicine order[/url] online shopping pharmacy india
Willieked
canadianpharmacyworld: buying drugs from canada – medication canadian pharmacy
Davidkek
MegaIndiaPharm: indianpharmacy com – buy prescription drugs from india
CharlesBaw
no prescription required pharmacy http://megaindiapharm.com/# india pharmacy mail order
Willieked
Mega India Pharm: MegaIndiaPharm – MegaIndiaPharm
Davidkek
xxl mexican pharm: buying from online mexican pharmacy – buying prescription drugs in mexico online
Michaelfug
foreign pharmacy no prescription https://familypharmacy.company/# canada pharmacy not requiring prescription
CharlesBaw
best no prescription pharmacy http://discountdrugmart.pro/# discount drug pharmacy
Porterton
discount drug mart [url=https://discountdrugmart.pro/#]discount drug mart pharmacy[/url] drug mart
Willieked
canadian pharmacy no rx needed: easy canadian pharm – easy canadian pharm
Michaelfug
cheapest pharmacy for prescription drugs http://megaindiapharm.com/# Mega India Pharm
Davidkek
discount drug mart pharmacy: discount drug mart – discount drug mart pharmacy
CharlesBaw
rxpharmacycoupons https://xxlmexicanpharm.com/# buying prescription drugs in mexico online
Michaelfug
no prescription needed pharmacy https://easycanadianpharm.shop/# canadian pharmacy
Willieked
drugmart: pharmacy online 365 discount code – drug mart
Davidkek
easy canadian pharm: canadian pharmacy – easy canadian pharm
Michaelfug
canadian online pharmacy no prescription http://discountdrugmart.pro/# canada pharmacy coupon
Porterton
my canadian pharmacy [url=https://easycanadianpharm.shop/#]easy canadian pharm[/url] easy canadian pharm
CharlesBaw
cheapest prescription pharmacy https://easycanadianpharm.shop/# certified canadian pharmacy
Willieked
Mega India Pharm: MegaIndiaPharm – MegaIndiaPharm
Michaelfug
canada pharmacy not requiring prescription https://xxlmexicanpharm.shop/# xxl mexican pharm
Davidkek
MegaIndiaPharm: MegaIndiaPharm – india online pharmacy
CharlesBaw
canadian pharmacy without prescription https://xxlmexicanpharm.com/# xxl mexican pharm
Michaelfug
prescription free canadian pharmacy https://easycanadianpharm.com/# easy canadian pharm
Willieked
easy canadian pharm: easy canadian pharm – canadian online drugs
Porterton
mexico pharmacies prescription drugs [url=https://xxlmexicanpharm.com/#]п»їbest mexican online pharmacies[/url] xxl mexican pharm
Davidkek
Mega India Pharm: Online medicine home delivery – MegaIndiaPharm
CharlesBaw
promo code for canadian pharmacy meds http://easycanadianpharm.com/# easy canadian pharm
Michaelfug
rxpharmacycoupons http://xxlmexicanpharm.com/# reputable mexican pharmacies online
Willieked
buy medicines online in india: MegaIndiaPharm – Mega India Pharm
Michaelfug
rx pharmacy no prescription https://discountdrugmart.pro/# discount drug mart pharmacy
Davidkek
online pharmacy delivery usa: family pharmacy – online pharmacy delivery usa
CharlesBaw
canadian pharmacy no prescription https://xxlmexicanpharm.com/# xxl mexican pharm
Willieked
discount drug mart pharmacy: discount drug mart – discount drug mart pharmacy
Michaelfug
canadian pharmacy no prescription needed https://megaindiapharm.com/# india online pharmacy
Porterton
the canadian pharmacy [url=https://easycanadianpharm.com/#]easy canadian pharm[/url] canadian pharmacy meds review
Davidkek
indianpharmacy com: MegaIndiaPharm – MegaIndiaPharm
CharlesBaw
pharmacy online 365 discount code https://easycanadianpharm.com/# canadian 24 hour pharmacy
Michaelfug
canadian pharmacy world coupon https://easycanadianpharm.com/# legitimate canadian mail order pharmacy
Willieked
xxl mexican pharm: xxl mexican pharm – п»їbest mexican online pharmacies
Davidkek
easy canadian pharm: canadian pharmacy 365 – easy canadian pharm
CharlesBaw
drugstore com online pharmacy prescription drugs http://discountdrugmart.pro/# discount drugs
Michaelfug
canadian pharmacy coupon https://megaindiapharm.com/# india pharmacy mail order
Willieked
reputable mexican pharmacies online: xxl mexican pharm – xxl mexican pharm
Michaelfug
international pharmacy no prescription https://easycanadianpharm.shop/# canadian drugs pharmacy
CharlesBaw
canadian online pharmacy no prescription http://discountdrugmart.pro/# drugmart
Davidkek
Mega India Pharm: best india pharmacy – Mega India Pharm
Willieked
Online pharmacy USA: Cheapest online pharmacy – family pharmacy
Michaelfug
rx pharmacy no prescription https://familypharmacy.company/# offshore pharmacy no prescription
CharlesBaw
reputable online pharmacy no prescription https://familypharmacy.company/# family pharmacy
Davidkek
family pharmacy: mail order pharmacy no prescription – Best online pharmacy
Porterton
online pharmacy discount code [url=https://familypharmacy.company/#]family pharmacy[/url] overseas pharmacy no prescription
Michaelfug
no prescription needed canadian pharmacy http://familypharmacy.company/# online pharmacy delivery usa
Willieked
discount drug pharmacy: drugmart – discount drugs
Michaelfug
online canadian pharmacy coupon http://xxlmexicanpharm.com/# pharmacies in mexico that ship to usa
Davidkek
vipps canadian pharmacy: best canadian online pharmacy – northern pharmacy canada
Willieked
Mega India Pharm: MegaIndiaPharm – pharmacy website india