On December 8, 2021, a Soyuz MS-20 spacecraft launched carrying Yozo Hirano toward the International Space Station. His primary objective during this twelve-day mission was to provide professional filming and production services for Yusaku Maezawa, documenting the private space tourism project in orbit as part of an international crew commanded by cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin.
Early Career at ZOZO
Born in 1985 in Ehime Prefecture, Japan, Hirano completed his university education at Kyoto Prefectural University. He earned a degree as a casting director within a photography group. Following his graduation, he joined the firm ZOZO, Ltd. His professional trajectory led him to assume roles as a casting director and manager for the company's photography division. He currently operates within the Start Today division of the corporation, a business segment overseen by Yusaku Maezawa.
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Hirano serves as a film producer for private projects commissioned by Maezawa. This work frequently involves creating content for the entrepreneur's YouTube channel, requiring constant collaboration. This established working relationship served as the basis for his selection to accompany Maezawa on an orbital spaceflight, where his technical responsibilities included capturing visual media of their activities inside the International Space Station.
Training and Flight Operations
Space Adventures confirmed in May 2021 that Hirano had successfully passed the necessary medical examinations for space travel. Formal training commenced in June 2021 at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center. During this preparation phase, he trained alongside Maezawa and Shun Ogiso, the Public Relations Manager for Start Today, who served as Hirano's backup crew member. The trio officially presented themselves to the management and staff of the training center on June 15, 2021, prior to the successful December launch.
Fast facts
- Born: 1985, Ehime Prefecture
- Nationality: Japan
- Occupation: Astronaut and film producer
- Launch mission: Soyuz MS-20
- Launch date: December 8, 2021
- Mission duration: 12 days
- Education: Kyoto Prefectural University
Questions readers ask
What was Yozo Hirano's main role on the ISS?
He was responsible for documenting the flight and filming Yusaku Maezawa during their stay on the International Space Station.
Who paid for the space tourism trip?
Yusaku Maezawa paid for both seats on the Soyuz MS-20 flight.
Achievements
- Worked as film producer and astronaut
