Japanese Astronaut Onishi Takuya Became Third Japanese Commander of the International Space Station

Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi has now officially become Japan’s third astronaut commander of the International Space Station (ISS). Onishi, a Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut, took command on March 16, 2025, after launching on the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft with three other crew members. The mission is expected to run for approximately 6 months.

The key was given to Onishi which represents the responsibility of the ISS commander and Onishi stated that he felt proud to take on this duty. He mentioned that he considers this appointment recognition of Japan’s growing contribution in space and importance to space exploration on an international scale.

Onishi became the successor to Ovchinin who commanded the ISS crew on Expedition 72. Onishi, who commands the new Expedition 73 crew will be engaged in a lot of scientific experiments as well as the advancement of space exploration. The appointment of Onishi also denotes the continuation of the robust Japanese command of space as a follow up to past Japanese commanders Koichi Wakata in 2014 and Akihiko Hoshide in 2021.

Onishi also had a personal connection with Ovchinin, remembering their initial encounter as rookies on Expedition 48 which happened almost a decade ago. “It’s a great honor for me to accept the command of the ISS,” Onishi said. “And I feel so special that I am taking over the command from you.”

The crew is gearing up for a spacewalk on May 1 and also expecting the delivery of a SpaceX cargo ship filled with fresh science experiments and vital supplies.