Wakata to be 1st Japanese ISS captain

Daily Yomiuri Online: Wakata to be 1st Japanese ISS captain
Astronaut Koichi Wakata will become the first Japanese captain of the International Space Station, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency announced Thursday.

Wakata, 47, will serve as head of the ISS during the last two months of a six-month mission to begin at the end of 2013.

"I'd like to bring the team together, emphasizing the Japanese spirit of wa [harmony]," Wakata said during a press teleconference connecting Tokyo and Houston.

Wakata said he was informed of his selection Thursday. "I truly feel a heavy load has been placed on my shoulders," he said.

Six crew members are scheduled to stay at the ISS for the mission. Past captains have mostly been Russian or U.S. astronauts.

"I think I was named captain because the Konotori [an unmanned Japanese cargo craft that carried supplies to the ISS last month] deepened trust in Japan," he said. "I want to use all the things I've learned and experienced. I also want to make plans that'll fully utilize the talents of each astronaut, so we can achieve the best possible results as a team."

The mission will be Wakata's second long assignment following a four-month stay in 2009, and his fourth space mission--both records for a Japanese astronaut.

Wakata is said to be highly valued by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and now serves as the chief of NASA's ISS Operations Branch.