Maezawa comments on his experience in space

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20211214_25/

Billionaire Maezawa Yusaku, the first private Japanese citizen to visit the International Space Station, has told NHK the experience has been breathtaking.

The founder of online retailer Zozo arrived at the ISS on a Russian spacecraft last Wednesday, Japan time. He is scheduled to stay there for about 12 days.

In an interview with NHK, Maezawa said what has made the strongest impression on him is the actual experience of being in space. He said he knew that space is a vast expanse that begins at an altitude of over 100 kilometers, but that actually being in space and experiencing zero gravity for himself has made it palpable.

He stressed that his experience on the space station impresses him every day.

Talking about the challenges involved in maintaining a habitable environment in the ISS, Maezawa pointed out that providing enough water and dealing with waste are both difficult.

He said that these conditions have brought home to him the importance of sustainability on Earth and stressed his determination to rethink his priorities once he is back on the planet's surface.

Maezawa is expected to return to Earth next Monday, Japan time.