Women in Space | Visionaries Redefining Boundaries

Join us for a landmark International Women’s Day talk and networking program featuring an illuminating dialogue between two pioneering Japanese women in space exploration, made possible by a generous grant by Nitto Tire: astronaut Naoko Yamazaki and licensed pilot and space traveler Akiko Tito. This extraordinary conversation brings together two trailblazers whose unique journeys are opening new frontiers in humanity’s greatest adventure.

Naoko Yamazaki grew up stargazing in Hokkaido and Chiba prefecture before becoming Japan’s second female astronaut, making history in 2010 as part of the first four-woman crew on the International Space Station. Today, she dedicates herself to space education and government policy while advocating for women in STEM fields. Akiko Tito has cultivated a passion for space exploration since childhood, and after building an accomplished career as a licensed pilot, engineer, and investor, she’s set to be one of the first crew members on SpaceX’s Starship mission around the Moon. United on stage for this special evening, the two pioneers will share their personal journeys, the challenges they’ve overcome, and their vision for making space more accessible and inclusive.

As space exploration enters an exciting new era, these guest speakers’ insights will shed light on the crucial role women play in advancing our understanding of the cosmos. This conversation will not only highlight their achievements but also inspire the next generation of pioneers who dream of reaching for the stars. Both speakers emphasize the importance of space exploration to all humanity – with Tito describing how “this mission is the first of many that will help humanity become multiplanetary,” and Yamazaki reflecting that “space is not a faraway place, but it is like our hometown, because we are all made of star stuff and are all children of the universe.”

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of determination, innovation, and vision from two remarkable women who are helping write the next chapter of human space exploration.
The program will be followed by networking reception with light appetizers and refreshments.

Program

*Schedule subject to change
11:00 AM – 11:10 AM | Opening Remarks
11:10 AM – 12:00 PM | Talk
12:00 PM – 12:15 PM | Q&A
12:25 PM – 1:30 PM | Networking Reception

About the Speakers

Naoko Yamazaki | Astronaut

Yamazaki earned a Master of Engineering degree from University of Tokyo in 1996, then started working for Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). In April 2010, Yamazaki was onboard Space Shuttle Discovery on the crew of STS-131, an assembly & resupply mission to the International Space Station.

After retiring from JAXA in 2011, Yamazaki served as a member of National Space Policy Committee of Japan Cabinet Office (2012 - 2022) and currently as a member of its subcommittees on basic policies. Yamazaki co-founded Space Port Japan Association in 2018 and has been serving as its representative director.

Yamazaki also has been devoting herself to educate the next generations as a president of Young Astronaut Club Japan since 2021. Yamazaki also joined in Council of The Earthshot Prize, which was launched by The Prince of Wales and The Royal Foundation in 2020, to inspire a decade of action to repair our home planet.

Akiko Tito | Licensed Pilot and Space Traveler

Born in Tokyo, Akiko Tito has transformed from a Wall Street financial professional into an accomplished aviator and future space pioneer. Her passion for aviation led her to earn multiple pilot certifications in rapid succession, including her private pilot’s license, single pilot jet rating, and certification as a jet rated commercial pilot. Currently pursuing her ATP rating, she flies twice weekly and shares her aviation journey through her YouTube channel, XCITATION, where she showcases her private jet flights and provides aviation commentary to inspire more women to become pilots. Married to Dennis Tito, with whom she shares a deep passion for space exploration, Akiko is set to make history as the first woman to travel to the moon on Starship with SpaceX. Through this groundbreaking journey, she aims to inspire women worldwide and advance humanity’s progress toward Mars colonization.

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